Deputy Catering Manager

Are you passionate about culinary arts and eager to lead a dynamic team while making a tangible impact on young lives? We are searching for an exceptional Deputy Manager to join our government schools initiative at Oasis Restore. This role is not just about managing a kitchen—it's about inspiring a love for healthy eating, mentoring young people facing challenges, and fostering career development through life skills training. Our ideal candidate is someone who is not only highly skilled and passionate about food but also has a heart for training and developing others, particularly young learners. With responsibilities spanning menu planning, food preparation, and team leadership, this position requires innovation, flair, and a commitment to excellence in food service and hygiene standards.Join us in creating a positive environment where food is the heart of learning and personal growth. If you possess the drive to lead by example and the desire to make a significant difference in the community, we would love to hear from you.Work Pattern – 40hrs pw 5/7-day operationSodexo 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.  What you’ll do:To ensure that the Company and Statutory Regulations pertaining to the safe and hygienic operation of the kitchen and ancillary areas are adhered to by all members of staff and visitors.  Responsible for the ordering, planning, preparation, and presentation of all meal services at the required times and to the required standard.Create balanced and exciting trend led menus within agreed food offers, SOPs, budget and costs. To maintain excellent standards of food using agreed ingredients to ensure highest participation of pupils choosing  meals. To prepare all food to statutory and company requirements with due care and attention, particularly regarding customers’ special dietary requirements: allergies, food intolerances and religious or other considerations.To take a lead on the development and delivery of a training programme aimed at basic cookery skills for residents. Liaise with onsite and Sodexo L&D, apprentice providers as relevant in development of programmes. For a full list of responsibilities please view the attached job description  What you bring:EssentialHighly motivated, passionate about food with a strong motivation to teambuilding, training and developing othersRecognised professional qualifications in cookery. Holds current food hygiene certificatesExcellent proven craft skills and experience in relevant establishmentsExcellent time management and organizational skillsFull working knowledge of all aspects of the catering and foodservice industry legislationAbility to achieve and set standards and operate to performance criteriaPatient with the ability to build quality relationships with colleagues and clients while respecting boundariesCustomer focusedPositive approach to learning in role and identifying own training needs as appropriateAbility to work well under pressureFlexible approach to roleGood interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with customers, clients, and staffExperience of leading a team and completing day to day records such as HACCP and due diligence recordsExcellent financial, costing and budget skillsGood knowledge of relevant food trends to support the culinary team with innovation and excitementMaintain personal resilience in all situationsThe ability to challenge inappropriate behaviourRequired to complete pre-employment checks (MOJ Enhanced security clearance & Safer Recruitment checks) DesirableExperience of working in a similar custodial/secure environmentAdvanced Food Hygiene CertificateD32 or equivalent training qualification706/2 or NVQ2 and above chef qualification, or equivalentMust show great passion for their job and want to achieve great thingsProven experience in the education sector of contract cateringWhat 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 offer:Flexible and dynamic work environmentCompetitive compensationAccess to ongoing training and development programsCountless opportunities to grow within the companyFor more information on all the great benefits Sodexo offer to support you and your loved ones, check out the attached Benefits Guide at the bottom of this advert!