Full timeMonday-FridayUK – National Role (Regular Travel Required)Up to £60000 per annum plus our Sodexo employee benefits packageOpportunities for professional developmentOperational Excellence Dining LeadNo fixed place of workAt 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 looking for an experienced and passionate culinary professional to ensure operational excellence across UK-based kitchen and dining operations on a high-profile client contract. This national role works closely with Chef Managers, Head Chefs, General Managers, and senior stakeholders to deliver consistently high-quality staff dining and hospitality services.You will act as a subject-matter expert and operational support lead, driving culinary standards, food safety, efficiency, and consistency across the UK portfolio while fostering a strong culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.As a Operational Excellence Dining Lead you'll:Collaborate with Head Chefs to design, cost, and standardise staff dining and hospitality menusDeliver events and themed days in line with the Sodexo marketing calendar, including menu execution, displays, and operational supportPartner with the Digital Communications Team to ensure accurate and timely operational content supports marketing activityLead the implementation of UK-wide culinary initiatives aligned with central Sodexo and EMEA Executive Chef directionSupport General Managers with chef training, development, and the embedding of operational best practiceChampion a consistent, high-quality food and drink brand in partnership with the UK Account Manager and EMEA Executive ChefLead by example in food safety, allergen management, and health & safety compliance, ensuring audit readinessDrive waste reduction through monitoring, reporting, and continuous improvement initiativesSupport efficient, safe, and compliant kitchen set-ups across all sitesAct as the first escalation point for supplier and vendor issues, ensuring compliance, quality standards, allergen controls, and credit resolutionProvide flexible UK-wide operational cover for Head Chefs to support business continuityEnsure consistent operational standards across the UK portfolio, including DRIVe system compliance and additional training for site leadsConduct six-monthly stock management and operational reviews, covering cleanliness, compliance, allergen segregation, and cost controlProvide management support on HR matters, including investigations and grievances where requiredWork with operational teams to achieve “Green” Safeguard audits (90%) and “5 Star” local authority ratingsWhat we're looking for:What we're looking for:Qualifications & ExperienceNVQ Level 4 (Senior Culinary Chef) or equivalent professional experienceLevel 3 Food Safety qualificationStrong background in multi-site culinary or foodservice operationsSkills & CompetenciesExcellent communication and stakeholder management skillsPassionate about culinary excellence, service quality, and operational standardsStrong organisational, auditing, and problem-solving capabilityCommitted to building long-term relationships with colleagues, clients, and customersWhy Sodexo?:Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater.Belong in a company and team that values you for you. Act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions.Thrive in your own way.We also offer a range of perks, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:Unlimited access to an online platform offering wellbeing supportAn extensive Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or life's larger problems, including legal and financial advice, support with work or personal issues impacting your wellbeingAccess to a 24hr virtual GP ServiceSodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 across popular high street retailers (also open to friends and family)Save for your future by becoming a member of the Pension PlanOpportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development toolsBike to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fitSodexo UK and Irelands enhanced benefits and leave policiesA little more about Sodexo:At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all.As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer.We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds and identities.We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, SoTogether, Generations and Origins.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.Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.Ready to be part of something greater?Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications