Executive Head Chef - Lead with Passion, Cook with Purpose!Location: Kings College Taunton, South Rd, Taunton TA13LASalary: £45000 - £47000 annuallyHours: 40 hours per weekWorking Pattern: 5 out of 7 days in a weekAre you ready to take the lead in a kitchen where food fuels not just bodies but bright futures? As a Executive HeadCheffor Sodexoat Kings College, 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:Lead and coordinate all culinary operations across King's College and additional catering sites, ensuring high‑quality core, speciality, and hospitality services.Deliver services to agreed specifications, performance standards, and financial targets.Manage, motivate, and develop the kitchen team to maximise revenue opportunities, labour efficiency, and overall performance.Oversee purchasing and supply chain activity to ensure value for money and robust cost control.Support the Catering Manager in building and maintaining strong, long‑term client relationships.Recruit, induct, develop, and where necessary, effectively manage staff performance.Drive organic growth, identify new business opportunities, and contribute to continuous improvement and innovation.Ensure full compliance with Food Hygiene, Health & Safety, and Environmental legislation through the Sodexo Safety Management System.Provide professional culinary and technical support to clients, colleagues, and the wider team.Lead menu planning and costing using the Sodexo menu system, ensuring balanced, seasonal, innovative, and financially sound menus.Manage kitchen and stores labour budgets, scheduling staff efficiently based on business needs.Champion the Independents by Sodexo food offer, positioning King's College as a flagship site for visitors and prospective clients.Build productive working relationships across all levels of the College and Sodexo.Support HR processes including recruitment, induction, team briefings, and ongoing staff development and welfare.What You Bring:Essential:NVQ Level 2 Food Production (or equivalent)Intermediate Food Hygiene certificateIOSH Managing SafelyStrong literacy and numeracyExperienced chef in busy, client-facing environmentsEffective communication and interpersonal skillsFlexible; able to work under pressure across varied shiftsDirect management experience of chefs/kitchen brigadeClear and effective leadership style with a strong ability to motivate, coach, train, and develop othersExcellent time management and organisational skillsAt least one year of hands-on cooking experience (Training in Food Hygiene and Health & Safety provided)Desirable:Strong analytical skills; ability to solve problems and implement innovative solutionsPC literateAdvanced Food Safety or Health & Safety qualificationWhat We Offer:A dynamic and supportive work environmentCompetitive salary and benefitsFull training and protective uniform providedNo unsociable hours and public holidays off—including Christmas!Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing supportEmployee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal supportDiscounts, cashback schemes, and financial benefitsCareer progression, learning opportunities, and apprenticeshipsCycle to Work Scheme and volunteering opportunitiesAt 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.