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- Tasks: Lead culinary excellence at Headingley Stadium, creating innovative menus and unforgettable dining experiences.
- Company: Join Sodexo Live!, a leader in world-class hospitality and dining.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, mental health support, flexible work, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of stadium dining.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume catering and a passion for modern cuisine required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on personal development and community support.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
Sodexo Live! delivers world-class hospitality and dining across some of the most exciting venues in the country and now we are looking for a dynamic, ambitious Sous Chef to join our culinary leadership team at Headingley Stadium, home to extraordinary matchdays, high-profile events and premium guest experiences. This is your opportunity to bring creativity, innovation and passion to a venue that demands excellence every single day.
As Sous Chef, you will play a key leadership role in shaping the culinary vision at Headingley Stadium working closely with the Executive Head Chef and Head Chef. We are looking for a chef with ambition, creativity and the drive to make a real impact. If you are driven by innovation, thrive in fast-paced event environments and want to deliver unforgettable experiences at Headingley Stadium, we would love to hear from you!
What You Will Do:
- Drive culinary delivery across matchdays, corporate events, hospitality suites and premium dining.
- Ensure outstanding food quality, consistency and presentation across all kitchens.
- Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing brigade of chefs.
- Create trend-led, forward-thinking menus that set the benchmark for stadium hospitality.
- Present dishes confidently and passionately during client tastings.
- Champion continuous improvement and introduce fresh ideas that elevate the food offer.
- Maintain full compliance with all food safety, health & safety and company standards.
- Support financial performance through effective food cost management, stock control, labour planning, and stepping in for senior chefs when required.
What You Bring:
Essential
- Experience in high-volume catering: major events, large-scale banqueting or stadium operations.
- Fine dining background (hotels, restaurants or high-end contract catering).
- A genuine passion for food trends, innovation and modern cuisine.
- Strong communication skills with confidence presenting to clients.
- Solid financial awareness and understanding of food margin control.
- Level 3 Food Hygiene.
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage and inspire a team.
Desirable
- Supervising Food Safety Level 3 or IOSH Managing Safely.
- Senior Sous Chef or previous Head Chef experience.
- Experience in retail / production kitchens.
- Contract-catering client management exposure.
- Experience in staff training and talent development.
What we offer:
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it is a chance to be part of something greater. You will belong in a company and team that values you for you; you will act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you will be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we also offer a range of resources, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:
- Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
- Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work-related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.
- Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes access to a 24hr virtual GP and various other services.
- The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.
- Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
- Save for your future by becoming a member of the Sodexo Retirement Plan.
- A Death-in-Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo.
- Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools.
- Cycle to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.
- Volunteering Opportunities to enable all colleagues to help support worthwhile causes in our communities.
- Flexible and dynamic work environment.
- Competitive compensation.
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advertisement early if we are in receipt of a high volume of applications.
About Sodexo: At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services. We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds, and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins. We are a Disability Confident Leader employer. We are committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.
Sous Chef in Leeds employer: Sodexo
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, attend culinary events, and connect with industry professionals on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and innovative menu ideas. When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring it along to impress them with your creativity and passion for food.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your experience and what makes you the perfect fit for the Sous Chef role. Highlight your leadership skills and how you can contribute to the culinary vision at Headingley Stadium.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates about working with us at Sodexo. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and culinary creativity shine through. Share specific examples of how you've innovated in the kitchen or created memorable dining experiences.
Tailor Your CV to the Role: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in high-volume catering and fine dining. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for in a Sous Chef.
Be Confident in Your Presentation Skills: Since you'll be presenting dishes during client tastings, mention any experience you have in this area. Confidence is key, so don’t shy away from showcasing your ability to engage with clients.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining our team at Headingley Stadium!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Know Your Culinary Trends
Make sure to brush up on the latest food trends and innovations before your interview. Being able to discuss current culinary movements and how you can incorporate them into the menu at Headingley Stadium will show your passion and creativity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in high-pressure environments. Highlight specific instances where you motivated your brigade or improved kitchen operations, as this role requires strong leadership abilities.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since you'll be presenting dishes during client tastings, practice how you would confidently describe your creations. Use descriptive language that conveys your passion for food and engages your audience.
✨Understand Financial Management
Brush up on your knowledge of food cost management and stock control. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in previous roles, as financial awareness is crucial for this position.
