Head Chef

Job Introduction

Looking for a hospitality role that fits your life — not the other way around?

HEAD CHEF

Edinburgh Academy Junior School, 10 Arboretum Road, Edinburgh, EH3 5PL

Christmas & New Year Off – Every Year & Mainly Monday to Friday hours 

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 7:00am–3:30pm
Additional hours: Occasional weekend work for school events as required
Pay: £35,000 per annum
Contract: 52 weeks
Requirements: Enhanced PVG check required; full UK driving licence essential; own vehicle required

Build a Hospitality Career That Works Around You

At Sodexo and Edinburgh Academy, we believe hospitality careers should offer more than long hours and late nights. This role provides a structured working pattern with evenings and most weekends free, alongside time off at Christmas and New Year every year.

Join a forward-thinking, supportive environment where you can lead with creativity, deliver exceptional food, and maintain a genuine work–life balance.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and driven Head Chef to lead catering operations at Edinburgh Academy Junior School. This is an excellent opportunity for a confident leader to take ownership of a busy kitchen, delivering high-quality food and service while inspiring and developing a dedicated team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of kitchen operations, from menu planning to service delivery
• Deliver high-quality catering and hospitality that consistently exceeds expectations
• Champion a fresh food, from-scratch approach across all services
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and compliance
• Manage budgets effectively, ensuring cost control and efficiency
• Train, mentor, and motivate your team to achieve excellence
• Oversee allergen management and ensure accurate communication at all times
• Plan and deliver hospitality for school events and special functions

About You

• Proven experience in a professional catering environment (essential), ideally in contract or large-scale catering
• Strong leadership experience within a busy kitchen environment
• Confident in managing budgets and using catering systems
• Relevant chef qualifications (NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent)
• Food Safety Level 2 or above
• Excellent organisation and time management skills, with the ability to perform under pressure
• A positive, proactive, and motivated approach
• Flexible, decisive, and able to inspire and lead a team effectively

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Structured Monday–Friday working pattern with work–life balance
• Christmas and New Year off every year
• Opportunities for career progression and development
• A supportive, inclusive, and professional working environment

Additional Benefits

• 24/7 virtual GP and mental health support
• Employee Assistance Programme (legal, financial, and personal support)
• Sodexo Discounts Scheme for you, your family, and friends
• Pension scheme
• Learning and development opportunities
• Cycle to Work scheme

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re a passionate Head Chef who thrives on leadership, creativity, and delivering outstanding service, we’d love to hear from you.

Safeguarding & Inclusion

Sodexo and The Edinburgh Academy are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. A satisfactory PVG check is required for this role. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Apply today and take the next step in your career with Sodexo at Edinburgh Academy.

Please note: This role may close early if a high volume of applications is received.