At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food preparation and create nutritious meals for students and staff.
- Company: Join Strathallan School's passionate catering team with Sodexo.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full training, mental health support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with opportunities for growth and volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on students' wellbeing through delicious food.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale catering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 13.78 - 13.78 £ per hour.
Lead with Passion, Cook with Purpose! Strathallan School, Forgandenny, Perth, PH2 9EG
Salary: £13.78 per hour
Hours: 40 hours per week
Working Pattern: 5 days over 7 - Earliest start 6am and latest finish 7:30pm. If some hospitality events, latest finish would be 9pm.
At Strathallan School, great food is part of a great education. We're looking for a passionate Chef to join our team and help deliver nutritious, high-quality meals to pupils, staff, and visitors in a welcoming school environment. Founded in 1913, Strathallan has always been committed to bringing out the best in every pupil through a broad and inclusive education. Food plays a vital role in school life, and as part of the catering team, you'll help create meals that fuel learning, wellbeing, and community.
Working with Sodexo, you'll be part of a team that values tradition, innovation, and excellence - a place where you can grow, lead, and make a meaningful difference every day.
What You'll Do:
- Lead food preparation and service, ensuring high standards of quality and presentation
- Oversee food replenishment and maintain a clean, organised kitchen environment
- Support, mentor, and train kitchen staff to build a positive and motivated team
- Manage catering operations including labour, food, and stock control
- Maintain consistent food quality and service for students, staff, and visitors
- Contribute to menu planning and development to keep dishes fresh and exciting
- Carry out regular checks and audits to ensure full compliance with food safety and hygiene standards
What You Bring:
- Experience cooking in a large-scale catering environment (100-1300 students)
- Ability to follow recipes and deliver consistent results in a professional kitchen
- Previous team supervision or line management experience
- Strong knowledge of fresh produce and ingredient preparation
- Solid understanding of food safety and health & safety regulations
- Ability to remain calm and organised in a fast-paced kitchen
- Positive attitude, strong leadership skills, and a genuine passion for food
Qualifications:
- NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent)
- Level 2 Food Safety Certificate
- At least 1 year of hands-on cooking experience
- Training in Food Hygiene and Health & Safety will be provided
What We Offer:
- A supportive and welcoming team environment
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Full training and protective uniform provided
- Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support
- Employee Assistance Programme offering legal, financial, and personal support
- Discounts, cashback schemes, and financial wellbeing benefits
- Career development opportunities, apprenticeships, and training
- Cycle to Work Scheme and volunteering opportunities
Apply today and help us create a brighter future!
Safeguarding Notice: Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Certain roles will require appropriate screening, including references and checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/or Disclosure Scotland. Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if a high number of applications are received.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef - Perth
✨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 Chef - Perth
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!
