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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, delivering high-quality catering and exceptional service.
- Company: Join Sodexo at the Edinburgh Academy, a vibrant school in the heart of Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact with your culinary skills while enjoying a work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Professional catering experience and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth, development, and a diverse, inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 27500 - 39000 £ per year.
Grounded in Scotland, Ready for the World Head Chef – Edinburgh Academy Junior School,10 Arboretum Road, Edinburgh, EH3 5PL About Us: The Edinburgh Academy is a modern, vibrant, co-educational school for 2–18 year olds.Located on two historic sites in the heart of Scotland’s capital, we provide the very best in 21st-century education.Our ethos, size, and genuine individual care make us sector-leading in supporting the unique talents, needs, and ambitions of all. Hospitality with a Work-Life Balance At Sodexo and Edinburgh Academy, we believe you can have a rewarding career in hospitality without constant weekend shifts or late nights.Join a passionate team, deliver exceptional service, and still enjoy your evenings and weekends to recharge. The Role: We are seeking an experienced and motivated Head Chef to lead our catering operations at the Junior School.This is a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic leader with creativity, passion, and drive to deliver excellence in food and service. Key Details Salary: £35,000 per annum Hours: 40 hrs per week Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7.00am–3.30pm (occasional weekend business as required) Enhanced PVG checks required Driving licence and own car essentialWhat You’ll Do: As Head Chef, you’ll lead from the front, combining hands-on culinary expertise with strong leadership skills to inspire your team. You will: Deliver high-quality catering and hospitality, always exceeding client expectations. Lead menu planning, food production, and kitchen operations with creativity and precision. Uphold the Fresh Food from Scratch philosophy across all services. Maintain the highest standards of hygiene, safety, and compliance. Manage budgets effectively and ensure cost-efficient operations. Train, motivate, and support your team to achieve their best. Champion allergen management and ensure accurate, up-to-date information is always available. Organise and oversee special functions and hospitality events as required.About You: We’re looking for someone who combines culinary excellence with strong leadership skills. You will bring: Professional catering experience ESSENTIAL, preferably in contract catering/large scale catering. Experience leading a busy, client-facing kitchen brigade. Strong budget management and computer literacy. NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent chef qualifications. Food Safety Level 2 or above. A proven ability to perform under pressure with excellent time management. A positive, enthusiastic, and self-motivated approach. Flexibility, decisiveness, and the ability to inspire others.(Additional training such as RIPHH & IOSH Certificates is desirable—or a willingness to complete within 4 months.) What We Offer: At Sodexo, this is more than just a job—it’s a career where you’ll be valued, supported, and empowered. You can expect: Competitive salary and excellent benefits. Clear opportunities for growth and development. A diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace. The chance to make a real impact in an environment that values sustainability and service excellence.Additional Perks: Unlimited access to online mental health and wellbeing support. Employee Assistance Programme (legal, financial, personal support). 24/7 access to a virtual GP service. Sodexo Discounts Scheme for you, family, and friends. Mercer Aspire Pension Plan. Learning & development opportunities. Bike to Work Scheme.Ready to Join Us? If you’re a passionate, experienced Head Chef who thrives on leadership, creativity, and delivering excellence, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and take the next step in your Sodexo journey. Please note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if a high volume of applications is received
Head Chef employer: Sodexo
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, whether it's through social media or local events. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Head Chef position.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or cooking demonstration to showcase your culinary expertise and leadership style. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company culture! Before an interview, dive into what makes the Edinburgh Academy unique. Tailor your responses to show how your values align with theirs—this will make you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Sodexo and the Edinburgh Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and creativity shine through. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or events you've catered to show us your culinary flair!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've motivated your team in the past and any successful projects you've led.
Be Specific About Your Experience: We want to know about your professional catering experience, so don’t hold back! Detail your roles, responsibilities, and any relevant qualifications that make you the perfect fit for this position.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you on board with our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary techniques and menu planning skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with fresh food from scratch and how you maintain high standards in hygiene and safety. This is your chance to showcase your passion for food and creativity!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to inspire your team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen brigade in the past. Think about times when you motivated your team or handled pressure—these stories will help demonstrate your leadership style.
✨Budget Management Know-How
Since managing budgets is key for this role, be ready to discuss your experience with cost-efficient operations. Bring specific examples of how you've managed budgets effectively in previous roles, and any software tools you’ve used to keep track of expenses.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life kitchen scenarios. For instance, how would you handle a last-minute event or manage allergen information? Practising these types of questions can help you think on your feet and show your problem-solving skills during the interview.
