Executive Head Chef

We are thrilled to offer a unique opportunity for an Executive Head Chef at Abingdon School, situated in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside near the dynamic city of Oxford. Abingdon’s strategic location offers a vibrant community and a rich pool of culinary opportunities, nestled among some of the country's most prestigious educational institutions. This prestigious role at a leading independent school is more than a job—it's a chance to lead, inspire, and innovate at the forefront of culinary excellence and educational support.In this role, you will be the visible, engaging leader of our culinary team, influencing the dining experience of our students and staff by overseeing all culinary operations and ensuring excellence in both daily meals and special event catering. You will lead a team that includes promising apprentices, championing their development through HIT Training and fostering a culture of professional growth and culinary excellence. Additionally, you will serve as a Sodexo ambassador, embodying our values and commitment to high-quality, fresh food prepared from scratch.We are looking for a culinary patron with exceptional leadership skills, someone who is a front-facing figure capable of motivating and engaging staff and clientele. You should be financially savvy, with a keen eye for value and the ability to optimise cost and revenue opportunities. We also need a creative force ready to introduce innovation and enhance our culinary offerings, continually pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in school dining.The successful candidate will enjoy a competitive salary ranging from £48,000 to £55,000, depending on expertise and experience, along with flexible benefits including tailored contract terms that cover overtime for special events and additional holiday options. This role isn’t just about leading a kitchen; it's about shaping the future of dining at Abingdon School, inspiring a team, and making a lasting impact on our community. If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge, we look forward to your application.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.   What you’ll do:Coordinate and direct all culinary activities in Abingdon School and other locations in which we are asked to cater.Manage and control the services to the agreed specification and to the agreed performance, qualitative and financial targets.Manage a team to increase the Client and Sodexo’s revenue opportunities i.e. commercial opportunities, labour efficiency and generate the GOP within retail operations.Supply Chain Management – ensure value for money is achieved through robust management of purchasing.Nurture client relationships in order to stabilise & develop them for long term partnershipsRecruit, induct and develop talented employees within the kitchens and, if necessary, firmly and fairly manage poor performance.For a full list of responsibilities please view the attached job description What you bring:EssentialNVQ level 2 Food Production certificate or equivalentIntermediate Food Hygiene certificateIOSH Managing SafelyStrong level of literacy and numeracyExperienced Chef who has operated in a busy, client facing environment.Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to be an effective team player.Flexible, with the ability to work under pressure and across a range of shifts and service times.Direct management experience of chefs / kitchen brigadeClear, strong and effective leadership styleStrong ability to increase individuals’ effectiveness through leadership, motivation, communication, coaching and training.Excellent time management and organisational skillsAbility to set and maintain standards.DesirableAbility to review problems analytically, develop opportunities and implement innovative solutions / approaches.PC literateAdvanced Food Safety or Health and Safety qualification 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 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!