Executive Head Chef

Executive Head Chef

Job Introduction

Are you a passionate culinary professional ready to take the helm as an Executive Head Chef at St Leonards School, a prestigious co-educational boarding school located in the historic and picturesque town of St Andrews, Fife? We are seeking a dynamic and visionary chef to become the culinary figurehead of our school, bringing both exceptional skill and a flair for innovation to our diverse catering operations. 

At Independents by Sodexo, we place pupils' health and well-being at the heart of everything we do. We create food that not only nourishes the body but also sharpens the mind and rejuvenates the spirit. Our approach is founded on collaboration, driven by our rich heritage and cherished family values, which infuse our experienced team with a naturally entrepreneurial and agile spirit, all while maintaining unwavering consistency.

As our Executive Head Chef, you will lead a team dedicated to crafting extraordinary dining experiences that delight and inspire students, staff, and visitors alike. This role offers the unique opportunity to blend artistry with leadership, ensuring the highest standards of food safety and culinary excellence while fostering a culture of enthusiasm and growth among our team.

If you have a robust culinary background, thrive in managing high-volume catering operations, and are a champion of both cost management and creative menu development, we invite you to apply and make your mark in a role where your culinary creations are appreciated by a vibrant school community. 

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 St Leonards and other locations in which we are asked to cater, including supporting the team within the boarding houses.
• 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 partnerships

  For a full list of responsibilities please view the attached job description

What you bring:

• NVQ level 2 Food Production certificate or equivalent
• Intermediate Food Hygiene certificate
• IOSH Managing Safely
• Strong level of literacy and numeracy
• Experienced 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 brigade
• Clear, strong and effective leadership style
• Strong ability to increase individuals’ effectiveness through leadership, motivation, communication, coaching and training
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Ability to set and maintain standards

Desirable

• Ability to review problems analytically, develop opportunities and implement innovative solutions / approaches
• PC literate
• Advanced 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 environment
• Competitive compensation
• Access to ongoing training and development programs
• Countless opportunities to grow within the company