At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance food quality for up to 1,500 students daily.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a dynamic employer with a focus on inclusivity.
- Benefits: Earn £22.50 per hour, enjoy public holidays off, and work term time only.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' dining experiences while enjoying a balanced work-life.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef or Cook Manager in high-volume environments is essential.
The predicted salary is between 22.5 - 22.5 £ per hour.
£22.50 per hour, 40 hours per week
Working pattern: Monday - Friday (7am - 3pm), Term Time only (39 weeks working contract paid over 52 weeks)
Must have a Full UK Driving Licence and access to your own vehicle.
Job Introduction:
As a Lead Cook Manager for Sodexo, you will oversee catering operations across multiple sites, including Grey Court School, Chessington School, and Hollyfield School. This is a senior, hands-on cooking role with approximately 80% of your time based at Grey Court School, where you will work closely alongside the Chef and kitchen team to lead and enhance the food offer for up to 1,500 students each day.
The key focus of the role is to drive improvements in food quality, menu development, presentation, and the overall dining experience, ensuring that Grey Court School delivers one of the strongest school catering offers in the region.
In addition to your responsibilities at Grey Court School, you will provide leadership and support across Chessington School and Hollyfield School, overseeing food quality, service standards, and special events to ensure consistency across the Trust.
You will support the Cook Managers with the day-to-day running of their kitchens, including stock takes, ordering, operational support, and sickness cover where required.
We are looking for an individual with a strong craft background who is passionate about food and has the culinary expertise to improve and develop the catering offer. Strong management skills are essential, along with previous experience as a Chef or Cook Manager in a similar high-volume environment.
You will be responsible for managing all aspects of food and beverage services, as well as overseeing the financial performance of each school kitchen. Your attitude will influence your team's daily lives as the person they go to for direction and support, helping to create a vibrant and productive work environment.
What you do:
- Lead and continually improve the food offer at Grey Court School, serving up to 1,500 students each day.
- Work closely with the Chef and kitchen team to drive food quality, presentation, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
- Oversee food quality and catering standards across Chessington School and Hollyfield School, ensuring consistency throughout the Trust.
- Support Cook Managers with the day-to-day operation of their kitchens, providing guidance, coaching, and operational support.
- Lead, mentor, train, and inspire kitchen teams to achieve the highest standards.
- Manage the creation and development of menus that are nutritious, appealing, and commercially successful.
- Control the complete catering operation, including labour, food, and stock costs.
- Ensure consistency in food and service standards provided to staff, visitors, and students.
- Support and oversee hospitality and special events across the schools.
- Conduct routine audits to ensure standards, food safety, and compliance requirements are maintained.
What you bring:
- A strong craft background with proven experience as a Chef, Head Chef, Cook Manager, or similar catering professional.
- Experience working in a high-volume catering environment, ideally serving large numbers of customers daily.
- A passion for food quality and a proven ability to improve catering standards and develop food offers.
- Previous management or supervisory experience with the ability to lead and motivate teams.
- Strong understanding of food safety, health and safety, and kitchen compliance requirements.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities across several sites.
- Ability to work under pressure and maintain high standards in a busy catering environment.
- Professional, positive, and able to lead by example.
Qualifications:
- Level 2 Food Safety Certificate.
- Previous experience in a similar Chef, Cook Manager, or catering management role.
- Training in Food Hygiene and Health & Safety will be provided.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds, and identities.
Lead Cook Manager employer: Sodexo
Sodexo is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive salary of £22.50 per hour for a Lead Cook Manager role in the vibrant locations of Surbiton, Chessington, and Richmond. With a focus on work-life balance, you will enjoy a Monday to Friday schedule during term time, alongside unique benefits such as equated pay and public holidays off, including Christmas. Join a supportive team that values diversity and encourages involvement in various Employee Networks, fostering a positive and inclusive work culture where your culinary passion can truly thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Cook Manager
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Sodexo. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sodexo
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sodexo directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Cook Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Sodexo and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
