Job Introduction
- 40 hours per week
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Monday to Friday - 08.00 - 17.00
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£30,600 per annum
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Sodexo rewards and benefits
Job Introduction
As Head Chef with Sodexo at Merville Barracks, Colchester, CO2 7UT, you’ll take the lead in delivering a high-quality catering service within a busy military environment.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, leading and developing your team while maintaining excellent standards of food quality, presentation, safety and service.
You’ll bring strong kitchen leadership experience, a passion for great food and the confidence to manage both the operational and people aspects of a busy catering environment.
What you’ll do:
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Lead the day-to-day catering operation, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service
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Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team, creating an engaged, high-performing working environment
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Manage and support Chefs, military Chefs and Kitchen Porters, providing clear direction, coaching and training
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Plan and manage team rotas, leave and staffing requirements to ensure the kitchen is effectively resourced
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Take ownership of menu delivery, ensuring recipes, specifications and portion controls are consistently followed
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Oversee food preparation, cooking and presentation, ensuring excellent standards are maintained throughout service
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Maintain full compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety, allergen legislation and Sodexo procedures
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Ensure all kitchen due diligence, temperature monitoring, food storage and safety documentation is accurately completed
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Drive successful internal and external audit performance and ensure any required actions are addressed
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Manage stock ordering, stocktaking and kitchen supplies, maintaining effective controls and reducing unnecessary waste
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Monitor food consumption and waste against agreed targets, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and control costs
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Contribute to the financial performance of the catering operation, including payroll, stock, waste and P&L management
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Build and maintain strong relationships with the client and customers, responding professionally to feedback and resolving concerns
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Ensure contractual service standards, KPIs and operational requirements are consistently achieved
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Lead pre-service briefings, team huddles and toolbox talks to maintain strong communication across the kitchen
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Identify and implement opportunities to improve service, efficiency, customer satisfaction and overall kitchen performance
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Work closely with the Centre Manager and Food Services Manager to support the wider catering operation
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Be a visible, hands-on leader who sets the standard for food quality, safety, customer service and team performance
What you bring:
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Previous experience leading a kitchen team in a busy catering environment
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A recognised catering qualification such as City & Guilds 706/1 and 2, NVQ Level 2 and 3, HND, BSc Catering or equivalent
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Intermediate level Food Safety qualification
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Good knowledge of Health & Safety and Food Safety requirements
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Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, engage and develop a team
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Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
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Confident verbal and written communication skills
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Ability to work on your own initiative while contributing effectively as part of the wider team
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Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
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A flexible approach to meet the requirements of a busy operational environment
Desirable:
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Previous experience working within a military or Defence environment
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CIEH Level 3 or equivalent
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IOSH qualification or equivalent
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:
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Mental health & wellbeing support
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Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
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24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
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Discounts for you & family
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Financial tools & retirement plan
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Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications
