Head Chef (Flexible Working)

Job Introduction

Are you ready to take your culinary career to the next level in an inspiring and vibrant environment? Independents by Sodexo is offering an exciting opportunity for a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead at a prestigious independent boarding school in Manchester.

In this rewarding role, you'll be at the heart of the schools' culinary operations, leading your team with creativity, leadership, and a commitment to excellence. We’re looking for someone who is not just an exceptional chef but also a true mentor who thrives on coaching and developing their team. As the driving force behind the kitchen, you'll collaborate with a variety of stakeholders, including students, parents, and staff, to deliver an outstanding dining experience that’s as innovative as it is delicious.

This position requires availability for some weekend and evening shifts to meet business demands.

Why Join Us?

At Sodexo, we believe in offering more than just a role—we provide a supportive and balanced work environment designed for your success. Although salary is negotiable for the right candidate, here’s why this opportunity stands out:

• Enhanced Work-Life Balance: Enjoy reduced work demands and more flexibility during school closure periods.
• Free On-Site Meals: You won’t have to worry about lunch, as we offer free meals on-site.
• Free Local Parking: No more parking fees—we recover it for you!
• Creative Freedom: You’ll have the chance to shape the food culture in an inspiring educational setting, where your ideas and innovations will be valued.
• Flexible Working: During school closures, benefit from adaptable working hours, giving you more control over your schedule.
• A Leadership Role with Impact: You’ll have the chance to lead, inspire, and create, while forming lasting relationships with the school community.

This is a unique chance to make a significant impact in a prestigious setting, where your culinary talents will flourish, and your leadership will be celebrated.

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults within a regulated activity. This role will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/ or Disclosure Scotland.  

What you’ll do:

• Coordinate and direct all core culinary activities in all catering locations.
• Manage and control the services to the agreed specification and to the agreed performance, qualitative and financial targets and ensure that quality is maintained throughout service.
• Supply Chain Management – ensure value for money is achieved through robust management of purchasing.
• Nurture client relationships in order to stabilise & develop them for long term partnerships
• Recruit, induct and develop talented employees within the kitchen and, if necessary, firmly and fairly manage poor performance.
• Identify opportunities for organic growth and new business.
• Exceptional management of Food Hygiene, Health, Safety and Environmental Legislation using the Sodexo Safety Management System to include Allergens.
• Responsible for driving Continuous Improvement and innovation to realise the expectations of the school and catering management

 For a full list of responsibilities please view the attached job description  

What you bring:

• NVQ level 2 Food Production certificate or equivalent
• Intermediate Food Hygiene certificate
• Strong level of literacy and numeracy
• Experienced Chef who has operated in a busy, client facing environment
• Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to be an effective team player
• Flexible, with the ability to work under pressure and across a range of shifts and service times
• Direct management experience of chefs / kitchen brigade
• Clear, strong and effective leadership style
• Strong ability to increase individuals’ effectiveness through leadership, motivation, communication, coaching and training
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Ability to set and maintain standards

 What we offer: 

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:

• Flexible and dynamic work environment
• Competitive compensation
• Access to ongoing training and development programs
• Countless opportunities to grow within the company

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.