At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create exciting menus for events and hospitality.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at American Express Stadium in Brighton.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free lunches, parking, and wellness support.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with opportunities for growth and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a high-energy environment while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience leading busy kitchens and managing teams is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
£50,000 per annum + excellent bonus and benefits. 40 hours per week, 5 days per week. Free lunches and free parking.
What You'll Do
- Lead food production across hospitality, conferencing & events, and retail operations.
- Create and develop exciting, seasonal, and commercially effective menus.
- Manage kitchen teams to deliver exceptional service standards.
- Maintain excellent food hygiene, HACCP, COSHH, and health & safety compliance.
- Control food purchasing, stock management, waste, and labour costs.
- Support and develop chefs through coaching, training, and food craft development.
- Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Deliver strong GP performance and operate within budget targets.
- Ensure consistency, creativity, and quality across every service.
What You Bring
- Previous experience leading busy kitchen operations.
- Experience managing teams of at least five chefs.
- Strong understanding of food cost control and budget management.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a high-pressure environment.
- Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Flexibility to work all Brighton & Hove Albion home matchdays.
Desirable:
- Previous Head Chef experience within stadia, hospitality, or large-scale events.
- Knowledge of modern catering trends and food innovation.
- Menu development and event catering experience.
- Experience using Sodexo systems or equivalent catering platforms.
What We Offer
- Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
- Employee Assistance Programme with legal, financial, and personal support.
- Free health and wellbeing app with 24-hour virtual GP.
- Sodexo Discounts Scheme and prepayment cashback card.
- Salary Finance Platform for money insights and financial benefits.
- Sodexo Retirement Plan.
- Death-in-Service benefit for colleagues who pass away while employed.
- Learning and development tools to grow and succeed throughout your career.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Volunteering opportunities.
- Flexible and dynamic work environment.
We are an inclusive, forces-friendly employer and a disability confident leader. We welcome applications from people with a diverse range of experiences, backgrounds and identities.
Senior Head Chef employer: Sodexo
As a Senior Head Chef at the American Express Stadium in Brighton, you will join a vibrant and dynamic team dedicated to delivering exceptional culinary experiences. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer unlimited access to mental health support, a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, and numerous learning and development opportunities to help you thrive in your career. Our inclusive work culture, combined with benefits like free lunches, flexible working hours, and a supportive environment for personal growth, makes us an outstanding employer for those passionate about hospitality and culinary excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Head Chef
✨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 Senior Head Chef
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!
