Senior Hospitality Chef – Sodexo
Position: Senior Hospitality Chef – Location: Eton College Dorney Lake, Court Lane, Off Lake End Road, Dorney, SL4 6FJ.
Salary: £40,000 per annum + Flexible benefits fund of £1,300. Hours: 40 hours per week (as required), working 5 days out of 7 – year‑round, boarding school environment.
About the role
Eton College, one of the world’s most prestigious schools, seeks an accomplished Senior Hospitality Chef to be the visual and approachable culinary figurehead for Hospitality at Eton College and Dorney. In partnership with Sodexo you will work with the Group Executive Chef and Head Chef to ensure food production meets Sodexo’s ‘Fresh Food from Scratch’ standards and the client’s expectations for quality and service.
You will promote Sodexo and its value, allowing the client to focus on education while providing a supportive environment for students to excel academically.
Key Responsibilities
* Execute hospitality at all Eton College and Dorney Lake venues and other locations, catering for events ranging from small afternoon teas to fine dining for up to 300 and sports events with 10,000 people onsite.
* Deliver quality food in multiple hospitality venues for both large and small numbers, providing innovation and creativity.
* Deliver food to agreed specifications and performance standards.
* Nurture client relationships to stabilise and develop long‑term partnerships.
* Adhere to all food hygiene, health & safety and environmental legislation using Sodexo’s safety management system.
* Champion the ‘Fresh Food from Scratch’ standards and position Eton College and Dorney Lake as unrivaled sites for prospective accounts and visitors.
* Follow all ‘Focus on Five’ management behaviours – communication, recognition, performance, training & development and clear direction.
* Exhibit values of Sodexo, Eton College and Dorney Lake.
* Establish and maintain productive working relationships with individuals at all levels within the school and Sodexo.
* Engage with key client groups – "Walk the Floor" during service periods and interact with clients, colleagues, and visitors.
About You
* Significant experience cooking on large‑scale (300–10,000 people), ideally within an independent school, boarding school, hotel or contract catering environment.
* NVQ level 2 Food Production certificate or equivalent.
* Intermediate food hygiene certificate.
* Strong literacy and numeracy skills.
* Good communication and interpersonal skills, effective team player.
* Flexible, able to work under pressure and across a range of shifts and service times.
* Excellent time management and organisational skills.
* Ability to maintain standards.
* PC literacy.
* Food safety or health and safety qualification.
What We Offer
* Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support.
* Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial and personal support.
* Access to a wellbeing app with rewards, 24/7 virtual GP and lifestyle services.
* Sodexo Discounts Scheme for colleagues, friends and family.
* Financial wellbeing support via the Salary Finance Platform.
* Membership of the Sodexo Retirement Plan.
* Death in Service benefit.
* Learning and development opportunities to support career growth.
* Cycle to Work Scheme and volunteering opportunities.
* A flexible and dynamic working environment.
* Competitive compensation, full training and protective uniform supplied.
Package
* Salary of £40,000 per annum plus an attractive benefits package.
* Opportunities for professional growth and development within Sodexo and Eton College Dorney Lake.
* Responsibility for timely and efficient preparation of all hospitality across catering areas and venues integral to the daily life of the college.
* A role where leadership, vision and culinary expertise will shape the experience of pupils and staff every day.
Additional Information
Applications are welcomed from all backgrounds. Candidates with experience in independent schools will have an advantage, but above all we seek someone with hospitality, culinary expertise and attention to detail required to excel in this prestigious setting.
Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (UK) and/or Disclosure Scotland (Scotland).
Note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications. Don’t miss your chance to make a difference!
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