Sodexo Colchester, England, United Kingdom
Overview
Join to apply for the Executive Head Chef role at Sodexo. Location: Merville Barracks, Colchester, CO2 7UT. 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 08:00–17:00 with flexibility required. Salary: £30,000–£32,500 per annum. Sodexo rewards and benefits.
We are seeking a dynamic Executive Head Chef to lead our kitchen team at Merville Barracks, Colchester. In this high-impact role, you\'ll drive culinary excellence, lead a skilled team, and ensure exceptional service for clients and customers in a fast-paced environment. You should have a passion for developing innovative menus and strong leadership and operational abilities.
What You’ll Do
* Operational Leadership: Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, ensure effective shift delivery and adherence to service specifications.
* Manage catering delivery across the site including food preparation, cooking, presentation, storage, and disposal.
* Ensure consistency in food quality, presentation, and service in accordance with contractual and company standards.
* Supervise consumption of ingredients in line with recipe cards and maintain cost control.
* Ensure accurate use of Sodexo\’s recipe management systems.
Team Management & Development
* Lead, motivate, and develop the culinary team, fostering a high-performance culture.
* Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of kitchen staff.
* Conduct regular team briefs, performance reviews, and address training and development needs.
* Supervise the team fairly and drive staff engagement.
* Promote high standards of hygiene, cleanliness, and uniform/PPE compliance.
Compliance & Governance
* Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, COSHH, fire safety, and Sodexo Safety Management System (SMS).
* Ensure accurate recording of food temperatures, fridge/freezer readings, and other safety documentation.
* Pass internal and external audits and manage stock/security of all kitchen assets.
* Manage allergen information and ensure the team is trained accordingly.
Client & Customer Relationship Management
* Build and maintain strong client and customer relationships through professional service delivery.
* Handle complaints and feedback effectively, escalating issues when necessary.
* Represent the culinary team in client meetings and contribute to service reviews.
Financial & Resource Management
* Maintain labour and food costs within agreed budgets.
* Monitor and control stock levels, procurement, and wastage to ensure cost-effectiveness.
* Produce accurate documentation including weekly returns, menus, and costing sheets.
* Plan, cost, and implement consolidated menus across the business.
Service Excellence & Continuous Improvement
* Deliver service excellence aligned with Sodexo brand values and contractual expectations.
* Lead initiatives for food innovation and efficiency improvements.
* Ensure proper opening, handover, and closing procedures are followed.
* Strive for continuous improvement in all areas including productivity, cost control, and customer satisfaction.
What You Bring
* Previous experience in a senior catering operational role, preferably as a Head Chef.
* Professional cookery qualifications (e.g., City & Guilds 706/1 & 2, NVQ Level 2 & 3, HND or equivalent).
* Intermediate (Level 3) Food Safety certification.
* Strong leadership and people management skills, including HR-related functions.
* High attention to hygiene, safety, and food quality standards.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
* Strong financial and numerical aptitude for cost control and budgeting.
* Ability to work under pressure and lead by example.
Desirable
* Experience working in a military or highly regulated environment.
* Level 3 CIEH Food Safety qualification or equivalent.
* Advanced leadership and strategic planning abilities.
* Proven track record in team development and food innovation.
* Analytical problem-solving and decision-making skills.
What We Offer
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you, act with purpose, and have an impact through everyday actions. We offer:
* Mental health & wellbeing support
* Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
* 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
* Discounts for you & family
* Financial tools & retirement plan
* Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day
Attached documents
* 2025 Benefits UK Brochure V9.pdf
Seniority level
* Director
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Management and Manufacturing
Industries
* Facilities Services
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