Are you a culinary professional ready to lead a dynamic kitchen team and create an exceptional dining experience?King's College Prep School in Taunton, TA2 8AAis seeking an exceptional individual to take on the role of Head Chef.This is a rare opportunity to join a well-established team and lead a kitchen where fresh, scratch-made food takes centre stage. You’ll lead a dedicated team of 10, including a Pastry Chef, 2 Chefs covering Salad Bar and Evening Meals, an Apprentice Chef and 5 FOH/KPs. You will be supported by the Chef Manager and Sodexo’s Business Support Chef. The team is flexible and welcoming, with a high skill set.As Head Chef, you will:Oversee daily meal preparation for 30 breakfasts, 300 lunches, and afternoon snacks.Plan, cost, and implement menus using the Recipe Online planning tool, ensuring variety, seasonality, and innovation.Oversee all culinary activities at King’s Prep and additional locations, ensuring services meet specifications, performance standards, and financial targets.Lead a team to enhance revenue opportunities through efficient operations, exploring commercial avenues and optimizing labour costs.Foster and maintain client relationships to establish long-term partnerships and identify opportunities for organic growth and new business.Ensure exceptional compliance with Food Hygiene, Health, Safety, and Environmental regulations while upholding Fresh Food from Scratch Standards.Recruit, induct, and cultivate talent within the kitchen team, addressing performance issues when necessary, and prioritize staff welfare through effective communication and training.Manage the planning, costing, and implementation of diverse and innovative menus while actively participating in development initiativesand representing the brand at industry events.What you Bring:Essential:NVQ Level 2 Food Production certificate or equivalent.Intermediate Food Hygiene certificate.IOSH Managing Safely certification.Strong literacy and numeracy skills.Experienced Chef with a background in a busy, client-facing environment.Effective communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrating strong teamwork abilities.Flexibility to work under pressure and adapt to various shifts and service times.Direct management experience with chefs and kitchen staff.Strong and effective leadership style.Proven ability to enhance individual performance through leadership, motivation, communication, coaching, and training.Excellent time management and organizational skills.Capability to set and maintain high standards.Desirable:Ability to analyse problems, develop opportunities, and implement innovative solutions.Proficient in using computers.Advanced qualifications in Food Safety or Health and Safety.For a full list of responsibilities and person specification please view the attached job descriptionPackage Description£31,000 per annum45 hours per weekWorking Schedule: Monday-Friday (6am-3pm) with occasional SaturdaysFree parking onsite,A free meal on duty andComplimentary uniform provided.Term-time working hours, minimal weekend shifts, and approximately 13 weeks off per year, including a two-week break in DecemberPro-Rated Salary: With a pro-rated annual salary based on a 38.4-week working year (plus 5.6 weeks of holiday) paid in 12 equal instalments, this role offers work-life balance with flexibility over 5 days per week, including occasional Saturdays.Location:King's College Prep, Kingston Road, Taunton, TA2 8AAWhat 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:Mental Health Support: Unlimited access to an online platform for mental health and wellbeing.Employee Assistance: Access to support for everyday challenges, including legal and financial advice.Health & Wellbeing App: Enjoy a free app with rewards for healthy living, plus 24/7 virtual GP access.Discounts & Financial Benefits: Exclusive deals through the Sodexo Discounts Scheme, alongside insights and savings via the Salary Finance Platform.Retirement Planning: Join the Sodexo Retirement Plan to secure your future.Death in Service Benefit: Protection for your loved ones in the event of your passing while employed.Career Development: Opportunities for growth through a variety of learning and development tools.Cycle to Work Scheme: Promote a healthier lifestyle while helping the environment.Volunteering Opportunities: Engage in meaningful community support initiatives.Flexible Work Environment: Enjoy a dynamic workplace with competitive compensation.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.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.
