Job Introduction
Chef - Lead with Passion, Cook with Purpose!
Location: Sevenoaks School, High street, Sevenoaks, TN13 1HU
Salary: £16.50 per hour
Hours: 40 hours per week
Working Pattern: 5 days out of 7
Are you ready to take the lead in a kitchen where food fuels not just bodies but bright futures? As a Junior Sous Chef for Sodexo, you'll be at the heart of the school, overseeing food and beverage operations, managing budgets, and ensuring every meal is top-tier. Your leadership will inspire your team daily, creating a dynamic and productive work environment.
Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way .
What You'll Do:
* Ensure full compliance with statutory, company, and allergen safety regulations, including HACCP procedures.
* Support the smooth operation of core service and hospitality functions, collaborating with senior kitchen staff.
* Oversee food preparation, storage, and waste management, maintaining accurate records and temperature controls.
* Organise service areas, including setting up hotplates, arranging shams, and ensuring all crockery is ready for service.
* Lead pre-service briefings, delegate tasks proactively, and ensure all functions are set up for seamless service delivery.
* Prepare food with care, paying particular attention to customers' dietary requirements and allergies.
* Promote a positive team environment, foster good customer relations, and uphold the company's professional image.
* Monitor and record food safety checks, stock rotation, and waste, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
* Assist in managing costs, equipment maintenance, and ensuring the kitchen remains safe, clean, and fully operational.
* Supervise staff training, handle customer feedback, report incidents, and contribute ideas for menu development and special functions.
What You Bring:
Essential:
* Experience cooking on a large scale
* Demonstrate experience of working in a similar role within the service industry at a comparable level in a company
* Able to demonstrate attention to detail and adherence to standards
* Analyse problems analytically, develop opportunities and implement innovative solutions
* Show ability to set standards and operate to the service standard criteria
* HACCP awareness
* To demonstrate a flexible attitude to working hours and promote a positive mental outlook to all aspects of work
* Be respectful of others at all times
* The desire and tenacity to adhere to procedures
* Basic Food Hygiene and Health and Safety Certificates
* At least one year of hands-on cooking experience (Training in Food Hygiene and Health & Safety provided)
* NVQ level 3 in food preparation
Desirable
* Proven experience of managing client relationships
* Proven track record of leading, managing and developing a team
* Personal innovation and creativity
* To show a hunger and passion for good food and the drive to make it achievable
* Good admin and telephone skills
* Flexible approach to the role and be self-motivated
* Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with customers, clients and staff
What We Offer:
* A dynamic and supportive work environment
* Competitive salary and benefits
* Full training and protective uniform provided
* No unsociable hours and public holidays off-including Christmas!
* Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support
* Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support
* Discounts, cashback schemes, and financial benefits
* Career progression, learning opportunities, and apprenticeships
* Cycle to Work Scheme and volunteering opportunities
At Sodexo, we believe everyone deserves a place to belong. This isn't just a job-it's a chance to be part of something bigger. If you're ready to lead with passion and cook with purpose, we want to hear from you!
Apply today and help us create a brighter future!
Note: Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding children. All roles require pre-employment screening, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and past employer checks.
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.