Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, manage operations, and inspire your team to create amazing meals.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a company that values purpose and teamwork in a school environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, no unsociable hours, and public holidays off, including Christmas!
- Other info: Access to mental health support, career progression, and volunteering opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through food while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale cooking and a passion for food are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you ready to take the lead in a kitchen where food fuels not just bodies but bright futures? As a Kitchen Manager for Sodexo, you'll be at the heart of the school, overseeing food and beverage operations, managing budgets, and ensuring every meal is top‑tier. Your leadership will inspire your team daily, creating a dynamic and productive work environment. Best of all? No unsociable hours and public holidays off‑including Christmas! Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.
Responsibilities
- Manage day‑to‑day catering operations, including food preparation, service, and kitchen organisation
- Lead, train, and motivate kitchen staff to maintain high performance and standards
- Control labour, food, and stock costs, ensuring operations stay within budget
- Plan and develop menus in line with customer needs and company standards
- Ensure all food is prepared, cooked, and presented to a high standard
- Deliver efficient, friendly customer service and support front‑of‑house during busy periods
- Maintain strict food hygiene, health, and safety standards at all times
- Monitor deliveries, check temperatures, and complete all required documentation
- Conduct routine checks and audits to ensure compliance with company procedures
- Keep kitchen and service areas clean, organised, and fully stocked
- Handle customer feedback and resolve issues where possible
- Support special events and provide cover during staff shortages
- Carry out additional duties as required by management
Qualifications
- Experience cooking on a large scale (100–1300 students)
- Experience following recipes in a professional kitchen
- Prior staff supervision or line management experience
- Strong knowledge of fresh produce and ingredient preparation
- Understanding of health and safety regulations and the ability to enforce them
- Ability to work under pressure in a busy kitchen environment
- Positive leadership, professionalism, and a passion for food
- Hold basic food handling certifications, including NVQ Level 2 and Level 2 Food Safety Certificate
- At least one year of hands‑on cooking experience (Training in Food Hygiene and Health & Safety provided)
Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Full training and protective uniform provided
- No unsociable hours and public holidays off‑including Christmas!
- Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support
- Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support
- Discounts, cashback schemes, and financial benefits
- Career progression, learning opportunities, and apprenticeships
- Cycle to Work Scheme and volunteering opportunities
Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding children. All roles require pre‑employment screening, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and past employer checks. Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications. At Sodexo, we believe everyone deserves a place to belong. This isn't just a job—it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. If you're ready to lead with passion and cook with purpose, we want to hear from you!
Kitchen Manager in Oldham employer: Sodexo
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Manager in Oldham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food industry, especially those who have worked with Sodexo. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a sample of your cooking or a menu you've created to the interview. This not only demonstrates your culinary expertise but also shows your passion for food and creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you would handle busy periods or staff shortages. Being ready with examples will show that you can keep calm under pressure and lead your team effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Sodexo family and being part of something greater.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Manager in Oldham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that you’re not just cooking, but creating meals that make a difference.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Kitchen Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've motivated staff or improved kitchen operations in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others!
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous jobs—give us the juicy details! Mention the scale of the kitchens you've worked in, the types of menus you've developed, and any challenges you've overcome. This helps us understand how you fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Sodexo!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Know Your Kitchen Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of kitchen operations. Be ready to discuss how you manage food preparation, service, and organisation. Think about specific examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to lead a team and maintain high standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Sodexo is looking for someone who can inspire their team. Prepare to share stories about how you've trained and motivated staff in previous roles. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to create a positive work environment.
✨Budgeting Brilliance
Since managing budgets is key for this role, come prepared with examples of how you've controlled costs in the past. Discuss your approach to managing labour, food, and stock costs while still delivering top-notch meals. This will show your potential employer that you can keep operations running smoothly.
✨Passion for Food and Safety
Make sure to express your passion for food and your commitment to health and safety standards. Be ready to talk about your experience with fresh produce and ingredient preparation, as well as any certifications you hold. This will demonstrate that you take food hygiene seriously and are dedicated to providing quality meals.