Executive Head Chef
| Posting date: | 19 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £44,000.00 to £46,000.00 per hour |
| Additional salary information: | Competitive |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 02 April 2026 |
| Location: | Taunton, TA13LA |
| Company: | Sodexo Ltd |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | SDX/TP/2163100/155395 |
Summary
- Job Title:Executive Head Chef
- Location:Kings College Taunton, South Rd, Taunton TA1 3LA
- Salary: £44,000 - £46,000 annually
- Hours: 40 hours per week
- Working Pattern: 5 out of 7 days in a week
Check your local transport links here:Plan Your Journey | Traveline TA1 3LA
Are you ready to take the lead in a kitchen where food fuels not just bodies but bright futures? As an 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'll 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
At least one year of hands-on cooking experience in a school (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 qualification
What we offer:
Working with Sodexo isn’t just another job but a chance to be part of something that matters.Here, you’re welcomed for who you are, encouraged to bring your ideas and purpose to the table, and given the opportunity to make a real difference in the work you do every day. You’ll also find the support, flexibility, and room you need to grow in a way that feels right for you.
With over 20 Sodexo benefits to choose from, you’ll have access to a competitive retirement plan, discounts at 1,900+ retail brands, great gym offers, and a confidential 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for emotional, legal, and financial support.
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, 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.