Job Introduction

Chef - Lead with Passion, Cook with Purpose!

Location: Abingdon School, Park Street, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1DE

Salary: £16-£18 per hour
Hours: 40 hours per week
Working Pattern: 5 out of 7 days

Term Time Only- Contracted weeks flexible to be discussed at interview

**Equated pay (sometimes known as spread-over pay) is a method of paying you for your contracted hours, working weeks and holiday pay spread over 12 months instead of just receiving pay during the months that you work and none during the school closures/non-working weeks. This means that you get paid equal amounts of pay every month. Further information will be supplied at interview stage.**

Are you ready to take the lead in a kitchen where food fuels not just bodies but bright futures? As a Sous Chef for Sodexo, 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:

Oversee the replenishment of food and ensure work areas are cleaned and maintained to a high standard

Develop, mentor, and train kitchen staff to foster an inspiring team culture

Manage and optimise all aspects of the catering operation, including labour, food, and stock costs

Maintain consistency in food quality and service standards for staff, visitors, and students

Lead menu creation and development to keep offerings fresh and exciting

Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations

What You Bring:NVQ qualification or equivalentExcellent craft skills backgroundSuccessful progressive background in cateringFood Hygiene CertificateExposure to leadership or man management training skillsSuccessful progressive background in contract cateringProfessional training in presentation and negotiation skillsGood delegation and influencing skillsAbility to achieve and set standards and operate to performance criteria, with particular regard to hygienePositive approach to learning in role and identifying own training needs as appropriateSelf-motivated, sense of own initiative and the ability to meet target deadlines as set by the Account ManagerAbility to work effectively as part of and in the development of a team with a flexible approach to role and to successfully implement change

Desirable 

706/3 or NVQ3 chef hospitality qualification, or equivalent Previous experience of catering management and employee engagementExperience of managing and developing a team in an educational establishmentExperience of managing budgetsWhat We Offer:

A dynamic and supportive work environment

Competitive salary and benefits

Full training and protective uniform provided

No unsociable hours and public holidays off—including Christmas!

Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support

Discounts, cashback schemes, and financial benefits

Career progression, learning opportunities, and apprenticeships

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.

Attached documents HR-5933_Benefits UK Brochure V9.pdf Apply