Overview
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.
Responsibilities
* 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.
Qualifications
* 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
* An 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 wellbeing
* Access to a 24hr virtual GP Service
* Sodexo 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 Plan
* Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools
* Bike to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit
* Sodexo UK and Ireland’s enhanced benefits and leave policies
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications.
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