Head Chef

Job Introduction

Head Chef

Edinburgh Academy, Edinburgh
£37,000 per annum | 40 hours per week | Mainly Monday–Friday

A Head Chef Role With Balance, Backing & Real Impact

Love being a Head Chef… but done with the relentless hours?

This is your chance to lead a kitchen, stay creative, and still have your evenings and most weekends back.

At Sodexo and Edinburgh Academy, we’re delivering fresh, high-quality food in a supportive, well-established environment, backed by an experienced, high-performing team who know what great looks like.

This isn’t just another Head Chef role.
It’s a long-term opportunity to build something brilliant without burning out.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Mainly Monday–Friday, daytime hours (7.00am – 3.30pm)
• Christmas & New Year off every year
• Experienced, supportive team already in place
• Creative, fresh food – not contract catering basics
• A stable environment with real career progression
• This team WON "Team of the Year" at the Food Service Awards!

The Role

As Head Chef, you’ll take the lead in a well-run kitchen at Edinburgh Academy,  delivering fresh, nutritious meals that make a difference every day.

You’ll have the freedom to bring ideas, creativity, and energy, without the chaos of restaurant service.

From seasonal menus to occasional hospitality events, you’ll keep standards high, service smooth, and your team engaged and motivated.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading and inspiring an established kitchen team
• Driving a fresh food, from-scratch approach
• Designing healthy, seasonal menus that pupils love
• Bringing creativity to menus and hospitality events
• Managing stock, budgets, rotas and compliance
• Maintaining excellent food safety and allergen standards
• Coaching and developing your team

About You

• Experienced Head Chef or strong Sous ready to step up
• Passionate about fresh, seasonal food
• Confident leading and developing a team
• Organised, calm and hands-on in your approach
• Positive, proactive and people-focused

What You’ll Get

• £37,000 salary
• Mainly Monday–Friday (7am–3:30pm)
• Evenings and most weekends free
• Christmas & New Year off
• Excellent work-life balance
• Career development through Sodexo Culinary Academy
• Strong support network and leadership team
• Long-term career opportunity within Sodexo

Ready for a Better Way to Work?

If you’re ready to lead a kitchen, stay creative, and actually enjoy your time outside of work, this is the move.

Apply now and join a team where you can belong, lead, and thrive.

Safeguarding & Inclusion
 Sodexo and The Edinburgh Academy are committed to safeguarding children and promoting inclusion. This role requires a satisfactory PVG check. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and welcome applicants from all backgrounds

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