Exciting careers.
At Sodexo, we’re passionate about delivering exceptional service and creating meaningful experiences for our clients, customers, and employees. We are currently seeking a dedicated and dynamic Head Chef to join our team at Yarm School, The Friarage, Stockton on Tees, TS15 9EJ and play a key role in driving excellence and innovation in coordinating and directing all core culinary activities, ensuring excellence in both service quality and financial performance.
About the Role
As Head Chef, you will:
Be the core culinary figurehead at Yarm Senior School and Yarm Prep School.
Lead the preparation of high-quality meals for students, staff, and visitors across multiple catering areas.
Deliver exceptional fine dining events, ensuring all food production meets Sodexo’s industry-leading standards.
Inspire and develop a team of chefs and catering staff through effective leadership, training, and mentorship.
Manage and maintain top-tier food safety, hygiene, and health standards across the business.
Work closely with the Catering Manager to achieve financial performance goals, focusing on value for money and budget adherence.
Drive culinary innovation by creating seasonal, balanced, and trend-setting menus.
Collaborate with the Events Coordinator to execute outstanding hospitality for internal and external events.
What We’re Looking For
Proven expertise in managing diverse culinary teams and catering to a variety of audiences.
A proactive and solution-focused mindset with exceptional time management and organizational skills.
Experience in both high-volume catering and fine dining events, excelling under pressure and adapting to short-term requests.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment.
Direct management experience with chefs and kitchen staff, coupled with budget management abilities.
Relevant qualifications, including:
City & Guilds 706/2 or NVQ Level 2 Food Production.
Intermediate Food Hygiene certification (essential).
Advanced Food Safety or Health and Safety qualification (desirable).
Computer literacy and an analytical approach to solving problems and implementing innovative solutions.
What We Offer
A competitive salary and benefits package.
Opportunities for professional growth and development.
A supportive and inclusive work environment.
The chance to make a difference in client satisfaction, operational excellence, and the dining experience for students, staff, and visitors.
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 also offer a range of resources, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:
Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
An Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.
Access to a 24hr virtual GP Service
The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family).
Save for your future by becoming a member of the Mercer Aspire Pension Plan
Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools.
Bike to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today and start your journey with Sodexo!
Friendly customers. Vibrant communities. Exciting careers.
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications
Package DescriptionJOB TITLE
Monday-Friday with ocasional evening and weekend catering events
Working hours: 7:30am-4pm (can be flexible)
40 hours per week
From £39,000 per annum and £1300 annual Flex Fund plus Sodexo Benefits
Permanent- Full Time
About The CompanyAbout Sodexo
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.
We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.
Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.
