Join Our Team as a Cook Manager – Lead One of Our Largest School Catering OperationsLocation: Grey Court School, Ham Street, Richmond, TW10 7HNDays/Shift Pattern: Monday – Friday (Term Time Only – 39 weeks, paid over 52 weeks)Working Hours: 7:00am – 3:00pmTotal Hours Per Week: 40 HoursSalary: £18.50 per hour, plus an excellent benefits packageAt Sodexo, we know that school meals do far more than feed students—they fuel learning, wellbeing and success.We're looking for an experienced Cook Manager who thrives in a busy, high-volume catering environment and enjoys leading from the front. This is an exciting opportunity to manage one of our larger secondary school catering operations, serving up to 1,500 freshly prepared meals each day.If you're passionate about producing quality food, developing teams and delivering an exceptional dining experience whilst enjoying an outstanding work-life balance, we'd love to hear from you.About the RoleAs CookManager, you'll be responsible for the overall running of the school kitchen, ensuring high standards of food quality, customer service, compliance and operational excellence.Working closely with your catering team, school staff and Sodexo management, you'll oversee the daily catering operation whilst creating a positive dining experience for students and staff.No two days are the same, and you'll play a key role in ensuring every service runs smoothly.Your Responsibilities Include:Leading a busy kitchen producing up to 1,500 meals per dayPreparing and cooking fresh, nutritious mealsManaging and motivating a large catering teamSupporting, training and developing kitchen staffManaging food ordering, deliveries and supplier relationshipsCompleting daily paperwork and compliance documentationRunning daily operational reportsCarrying out weekly stock takes and inputting stock information onto company systemsManaging food costs and stock control to achieve financial targetsEnsuring excellent food presentation and customer serviceMaintaining exceptional Food Safety, HACCP and Health & Safety standardsManaging allergen compliance and food safety proceduresPreparing for internal and external auditsWorking collaboratively with the school leadership team and Sodexo managementHelping to drive meal uptake through engaging food offers and themed eventsThis is a hands-on leadership role where you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact on both your team and the students you serve every day.What We’re Looking ForWe're looking for an experienced catering professional who enjoys leading busy kitchen operations and takes pride in delivering excellent food and service.Essential:Previous experience as a Cook Manager, Catering Manager, Head Chef or Kitchen ManagerExperience within school catering, education catering, contract catering or other large-scale catering environmentsExperience cooking for high-volume services (500–1,500 covers)Strong leadership experience managing large kitchen teamsExcellent cooking skills and food presentationExperience managing food ordering, stock control and budgetsExperience completing kitchen administration and compliance paperworkStrong computer skills and confidence using catering systemsExcellent organisational and communication skillsThorough knowledge of Food Safety, HACCP and Health & Safety legislationAbility to remain calm under pressure whilst leading a busy serviceNVQ Level 2 (or equivalent)Level 2 Food Safety CertificateDesirable:Previous Cook Manager experience within education cateringExperience increasing school meal uptakeKnowledge of School Food StandardsExperience completing daily reports and weekly stock management using computerised systemsExperience leading, motivating and developing large catering teamsKnowledge of allergen managementWhat We OfferAt Sodexo, this is more than just a job — it’s your chance to be part of something greater. We celebrate individuality, encourage purpose-driven work, and empower you to succeed on your own terms. When you join us, you’ll become part of a supportive team with opportunities to grow, develop and make a real difference every day. Free meal provided each working dayExcellent work-life balance with Monday–Friday working hoursTerm-time working with school holidays offOpportunities for career growth and progression within SodexoUnlimited access to an online mental health and wellbeing support platformEmployee Assistance Programme offering legal, financial and personal support24/7 access to a virtual GP serviceExclusive discounts for you, your family and friends through the Sodexo Discounts SchemeMembership in the Mercer Aspire Pension Plan to help you save for your futureLearning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and support career progressionCycle to Work Scheme, supporting both your wellbeing and the environmentReady to Be Part of Something Greater?If you're an experienced Cook Manager looking to lead a large, fast-paced school catering operation where you can make a real difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.Friendly customers. Vibrant communities. Exciting careers.Please note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.
