Job title: Business Support Chef
Location: Sussex, Surrey, London, Kent, Berkshire and Hampshire
Work Pattern: 40 hours per week with occasional evening and weekend work as required.
Salary: £40,000 - £42,000 per annum
Job Introduction
Seeking a culinary champion with the expertise and confidence to elevate our dining experiences, Independent by Sodexo is on the lookout for a proactive and adaptable Business Support Chef to join our Independent Schools team. This role is tailor‑made for a culinary professional who embodies the spirit of the Independent by Sodexo brand, with a keen eye for detail and the assertiveness to ensure excellence across all our school kitchens.
At Independents by Sodexo, we place pupils' health and well‑being at the heart of everything we do. We create food that not only nourishes the body but also sharpens the mind and rejuvenates the spirit. Our approach is founded on collaboration, driven by our rich heritage and cherished family values, which infuse our experienced team with a naturally entrepreneurial and agile spirit, all while maintaining unwavering consistency.
Your mission involves not just overseeing operations but actively leading improvements and fostering a culture of high standards and positive change. With a rich background in high‑end contract catering, you'll be at the forefront of driving innovation and quality, collaborating closely with on‑site managers to craft unforgettable dining experiences.
This opportunity is perfect for those ready to hit the road, as it includes travel and occasional overnight stays to support our diverse network of schools.
What You'll Do:
* Develop the culinary skills of kitchen teams through targeted training, coaching and mentoring to build capability and consistency.
* Drive culinary and service standards in line with segment service specifications, leading by example in all aspects of food production, presentation and delivery.
* Ensure all company standards are met and maintained across every area of responsibility.
* Support the mobilisation of new business, providing culinary expertise and operational guidance during transitions and openings.
* Ensure the successful deployment of agreed food offers and culinary initiatives across designated sites.
* Ensure teams receive effective training and coaching to deliver the food offer, including the delivery of training programme modules to the agreed standard.
* Deliver a consistent level of service aligned with the company’s standards, contract specifications, service offer and defined performance, quality and financial targets.
For a full list of responsibilities please read the attached job description
What You Bring:
Essential
* Ability to achieve and set standards and operate to performance criteria, regarding hygiene
* Positive approach to learning in role and identifying own training needs as appropriate
* Self‑motivated
* Ability to work effectively to lead and work as part of a team
* Flexible approach to role
* Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with customers, clients, and staff
* Good time management and organisational skills
* Ability to work well under pressure
* Excellent proven craft skills
* Knowledge of all areas in Food Safety and Health and Safety
* Good financial, costing and budget skills
* Good knowledge of food trends to bring innovation and drive initiatives
* Proven experience in the education sector of contract catering
Desirable
* Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
* Experience of fine dining or similar environment
* 706/2 or NVQ2 and above chef qualification, or equivalent
* Experience of managing large teams
* Experience in a multi‑site environment
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 for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we also offer a range of resources, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:
* Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
* Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.
* Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes access to a 24hr virtual GP and various other services.
* The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.
* Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
* Save for your future by becoming a member of the Sodexo Retirement Plan
* A Death‑in‑Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo
* Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools.
* Cycle to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.
* Volunteering Opportunities to enable all colleagues to help support worthwhile causes in our communities.
* Flexible and dynamic work environment
* Competitive compensation
* Full training and full protective uniform supplied.
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today! Career progression for the caring profession.
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advertisement early if we are in receipt of a high volume of applications.
Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults within a regulated activity. This role will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/ or Disclosure Scotland.
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