Head Chef

• 40 hours per week
• Monday to Friday - 08.00 - 17.00
• £30,600 per annum
• Sodexo rewards and benefits

Job Introduction

As Head Chef with Sodexo at Merville Barracks, Colchester, CO2 7UT, you'll take the lead in delivering a high-quality catering service within a busy military environment.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, leading and developing your team while maintaining excellent standards of food quality, presentation, safety and service.

You'll bring strong kitchen leadership experience, a passion for great food and the confidence to manage both the operational and people aspects of a busy catering environment.

What you'll do:

• Lead the day-to-day catering operation, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service

• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team, creating an engaged, high-performing working environment

• Manage and support Chefs, military Chefs and Kitchen Porters, providing clear direction, coaching and training

• Plan and manage team rotas, leave and staffing requirements to ensure the kitchen is effectively resourced

• Take ownership of menu delivery, ensuring recipes, specifications and portion controls are consistently followed

• Oversee food preparation, cooking and presentation, ensuring excellent standards are maintained throughout service

• Maintain full compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety, allergen legislation and Sodexo procedures

• Ensure all kitchen due diligence, temperature monitoring, food storage and safety documentation is accurately completed

• Drive successful internal and external audit performance and ensure any required actions are addressed

• Manage stock ordering, stocktaking and kitchen supplies, maintaining effective controls and reducing unnecessary waste

• Monitor food consumption and waste against agreed targets, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and control costs

• Contribute to the financial performance of the catering operation, including payroll, stock, waste and P&L management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with the client and customers, responding professionally to feedback and resolving concerns

• Ensure contractual service standards, KPIs and operational requirements are consistently achieved

• Lead pre-service briefings, team huddles and toolbox talks to maintain strong communication across the kitchen

• Identify and implement opportunities to improve service, efficiency, customer satisfaction and overall kitchen performance

• Work closely with the Centre Manager and Food Services Manager to support the wider catering operation

• Be a visible, hands-on leader who sets the standard for food quality, safety, customer service and team performance

What you bring:

• Previous experience leading a kitchen team in a busy catering environment
• A recognised catering qualification such as City & Guilds 706/1 and 2, NVQ Level 2 and 3, HND, BSc Catering or equivalent
• Intermediate level Food Safety qualification
• Good knowledge of Health & Safety and Food Safety requirements
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, engage and develop a team
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Confident verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work on your own initiative while contributing effectively as part of the wider team
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• A flexible approach to meet the requirements of a busy operational environment

Desirable:

• Previous experience working within a military or Defence environment
• CIEH Level 3 or equivalent
• IOSH qualification or equivalent

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance tobe part of something greater. You'll belong in a company and team that values you foryou;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 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