Head chef

Lead Culinary Excellence as Head Chef at Wellington CollegeLocation: Wellington College, Duke's Ride, Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45 7PUDays/Shift Pattern: 5 out of 7 days, including evenings and weekends as requiredTotal Hours Per Week: 40 HoursSalary: Competitive, with excellent benefitsAt Sodexo, we believe in delivering exceptional dining experiences, fostering meaningful relationships, and empowering our teams to thrive.We are seeking a passionate and inspirational Head Chef to lead our Core Feeding operation at the prestigious Wellington College.About the OpportunityAt Sodexo, we believe in delivering exceptional dining experiences, fostering meaningful relationships, and empowering our teams to thrive.We are seeking a confident, resilient, and inspirational Head Chef to lead our flagship core feeding operation at Wellington College, one of the UK's most prestigious independent schools.This is a career-defining leadership role within a high-volume, high-profile environment, responsible for shaping the daily dining experience of students, teaching staff, and the wider College community.Working closely with the Executive Head Chef, you will act as a key operational leader and “helping hand” across a busy and fast-evolving site—driving standards, innovation, and team performance.About Wellington CollegeSet within approximately 400 acres of stunning Berkshire countryside, Wellington College is one of the UK's leading independent schools, renowned for academic excellence, sporting achievement, and a rich co-curricular programme.The College offers a unique environment where tradition meets modern excellence.From world-class sporting facilities to outstanding academic and creative provision, Wellington provides space to breathe, think, and perform at the highest level.School life is vibrant and distinctive, with traditions such as chapel services and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) parades featuring drums and marching routines that reflect the rhythm and heritage of the College.As Head Chef, you will be part of this exceptional community—helping to fuel academic performance, elite sport, and creative excellence across the entire school.The OperationThis is a large-scale, high-performing catering operation delivering:Approximately 600 breakfasts dailyApproximately 1,900 lunches dailyApproximately 800 evening meals dailyYou will hold full responsibility for student and staff dining across the College, ensuring food is nutritious, innovative, beautifully presented, and delivered consistently at scale.Nutrition is a critical part of performance at Wellington College.From elite athletes in rugby, cricket, and football, to students excelling in music, drama, and the arts, you will understand how dietary needs vary and ensure the food offer supports physical performance, focus, and wellbeing.What You'll be DoingYou will lead a large and structured kitchen brigade with four Shift Leaders covering:Pastry ProductionBreakfast ServiceLunch ServiceEvening Dining OperationsThese teams are supported by approximately 15 culinary staff, including Chef de Parties and kitchen assistants.Key responsibilities include:Leading, developing, and inspiring a high-performing kitchen brigadeDriving operational excellence across all meal servicesDelegating responsibility effectively across Shift Leaders and the wider teamWorkforce planning, rota creation, and daily operational coordinationOrdering, stock control, supplier management, and cost controlMaintaining strong budgetary performance while delivering high-quality food at scaleEnsuring planned maintenance, equipment standards, and kitchen readinessLeading recruitment, training, development, and performance managementEmbedding strong food safety, health & safety, and compliance standardsActing as a visible, approachable leader across dining halls and service areasBuilding strong relationships with students, Housemasters, teaching staff, and senior stakeholdersEngaging daily in the dining environment to gather feedback and enhance the student experienceDriving innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement across the operationWhat We're Looking ForWe are looking for a strong, confident, innovative and resilient culinary leader who thrives in high-volume, high-expectation environments, and who can bring genuine professional fine dining and prestigious hospitality experience into a large-scale operation.The ideal candidate will have a background in high volume quality catering, alongside the ability to translate that standard of excellence into a large, fast-paced school setting.You will bring:Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a large-scale catering environmentA strong fine dining or premium hospitality background, ideally within reputable, high-standard establishmentsStrong leadership skills with the ability to challenge, influence, and inspireA creative, innovative approach to food, presentation, and service standardsThe confidence to challenge both peers and senior stakeholders, with strong people management skills where requiredA supportive team member who drives collective success and continuous improvementProven ability to deliver consistent, high-quality food at scaleStrong financial acumen including budgeting, food cost control, and labour managementExperience managing rota systems, team structures, and operational deliveryExcellent organisational skills and attention to detailA proactive, approachable leadership style with strong communication skillsPassion for delivering elevated, restaurant-quality dining experiences within a premium institutional settingStrong IT, literacy, and numeracy skillsQualificationsEssential:NVQ or City & Guilds Professional Cookery Level 2 or 3 (or equivalent)Level 3 Food Safety CertificateIntermediate Food Hygiene CertificateIntermediate Managing Safely qualificationExperience within independent schools or premium education catering environmentsBackground in luxury hospitality, multi-outlet or high-end, large contract catering operationsPassion for sustainability, ethical sourcing, and modern food cultureExperience contributing to culinary development, innovation projects, or menu-led transformation programmesWhy Join Sodexo at Wellington CollegeThis is more than a Head Chef role—it is an opportunity to lead culinary excellence within one of the UK's most prestigious independent schools.You will benefit from:Competitive salary and excellent benefits packageCareer progression within Sodexo's premium education portfolioIndustry-leading training and development opportunitiesA flagship working environment with a high-performing team cultureThe ability to directly impact the daily experience of over 2,000 students and staffA supportive and forward-thinking organisationAccess to Crowthorne train stationFree onsite parkingMeals on dutyAdditional Benefits24/7 access to mental health and wellbeing support platformEmployee Assistance Programme (legal, financial, personal support)24/7 virtual GP accessSodexo Discounts Scheme for you and your familyMercer Aspire Pension PlanLearning and development opportunitiesBike to Work SchemeVolunteering opportunities in local communitiesReady to Be Part of Something Greater?If you're looking for an opportunity where you can bring your passion, skills, and ambition to a company that truly values you, then this is it. Apply today and take the next step in your Sodexo journey.Friendly customers. Vibrant communities. Exciting careers.Please note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.