Food Development Lead – Sodexo
Location: Epsom, KT18 5UX
Employment Type: Full-time, Monday to Friday, occasional travel may be required.
Salary: Up to £52,500 per annum plus Sodexo employee benefits package.
Job Introduction
At Sodexo, we’re passionate about our people. We know that our teams are the key to delivering exceptional service and creating meaningful experiences for our clients, customers, and employees.
We are seeking a creative, passionate, and visionary Food Development Lead to craft a world‑class food experience within a premium corporate environment. Based at our flagship client sites in Epsom and Derby, this new role is an exciting opportunity to shape a bold food culture that celebrates seasonality, sustainability, and innovation.
As a Food Development Lead you will
* Develop and deliver exceptional, seasonal, and trend‑led menus that reflect quality and creativity.
* Lead, train, and inspire a high‑performing culinary team, fostering a culture of passion, pride, and innovation.
* Ensure consistency and excellence across all sites, delivering memorable food experiences for clients and guests.
* Oversee compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards.
* Manage budgets effectively while maximising culinary impact and minimising waste.
* Champion sustainability, ethical sourcing, and zero‑waste practices in all aspects of service.
* Build strong client relationships through tastings, presentations, and strategic engagement.
* Drive continuous improvement, encouraging team input, innovation, and professional growth.
What We’re Looking For
* Proven background in high‑end hospitality, restaurants, or premium contract catering.
* Culinary leader with the confidence to develop standout food concepts and manage operations end‑to‑end.
* Strong understanding of produce, flavours, and food trends.
* Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
* Sound financial and operational management skills.
* Knowledge of UK Food Safety legislation with IOSH, NEBOSH, or equivalent qualifications desirable.
* Passionate about sustainability, seasonality, and creating meaningful food experiences.
Benefits
* Unlimited access to an online platform offering wellbeing support.
* Employee Assistance Programme.
* 24‑hour virtual GP Service.
* Sodexo Discounts Scheme – great deals 24/7 across high‑street retailers (open to friends and family).
* Pension Plan.
* Learning and development tools.
* Bike to Work Scheme.
* Enhanced benefits and leave policies.
About Sodexo
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone. We operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through a combination of on‑site food and facilities services, benefits & rewards, and personal & home services. We are an inclusive employer, welcoming people of all backgrounds and identities.
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications.
#J-18808-Ljbffr