Head Chef

Executive Head Chef – Lead with Passion, Cook with Purpose!
Location: Kings College Taunton, South Rd, Taunton TA13LA
Salary: £45000 – £47000 annually
Hours: 40 hours per week
Working Pattern: 5 out of 7 days in a week
Are 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 certificate
– IOSH Managing Safely
– Strong literacy and numeracy
– Experienced chef in busy, client-facing environments
– Effective communication and interpersonal skills
– Flexible; able to work under pressure across varied shifts
– Direct management experience of chefs/kitchen brigade
– Clear and effective leadership style with a strong ability to motivate, coach, train, and develop others
– Excellent time management and organisational skills
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At 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 solutions
– PC literate
– Advanced Food Safety or Health & Safety qualificationWhat We Offer:
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A dynamic and supportive work environment
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Competitive salary and benefits
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Full training and protective uniform provided
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No unsociable hours and public holidays off—including Christmas!
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Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support
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Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support
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Discounts, cashback schemes, and financial benefits
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Career progression, learning opportunities, and apprenticeships
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Cycle to Work Scheme and volunteering opportunities
At 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.