Cook Manager reference: 151523

We are pleased to present a comprehensive review of the Cook Manager position at Sodexo, located at Our Lady and St Hubert's Catholic Primary School. This role offers a significant opportunity for experienced culinary professionals to lead and shape the catering operations within a nurturing educational environment. This review aims to provide potential candidates with a clear understanding of the advantages and key considerations for this exciting career path.

An Opportunity to Lead and Inspire

As the Cook Manager, you will be entrusted with the holistic management of the school's food and beverage operations, including crucial financial oversight. This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about delivering exceptional culinary experiences and are driven to set new benchmarks in school catering. You will have the autonomy to influence service standards, ensuring the kitchen operates at the highest calibre, not just for the immediate school community but as a benchmark for the region.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Leadership & Mentorship: This role is a powerful platform to develop your leadership skills. You will be responsible for inspiring, mentoring, and training your kitchen team, fostering a positive and productive work environment where your team feels supported and directed. Your influence will directly contribute to the daily success and morale of your colleagues.
• Work-Life Balance: A significant advantage of this position is the commitment to a healthy work-life balance. Unlike many roles in the hospitality sector, this Cook Manager role offers no unsociable hours and includes public holidays off, notably Christmas. This allows for greater predictability and the ability to enjoy personal time and family commitments.
• Impactful Contribution: By joining Sodexo, you become part of an organisation that emphasizes purpose and making a difference. Your work will directly contribute to the well-being and satisfaction of students, staff, and visitors, making it a deeply rewarding career choice.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Sodexo offers a robust suite of benefits designed to support your overall well-being and financial security. These include:
  • Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support resources.
  • An Employee Assistance Programme providing access to legal, financial, and personal support.
  • A health and wellbeing app with rewards for healthy lifestyles, a 24hr virtual GP, and other services.
  • The Sodexo Discounts Scheme for savings on various purchases.
  • Financial management tools and insights via the Salary Finance Platform.
  • Membership in the Sodexo Retirement Plan.
  • A death in service benefit.
  • Opportunities for career growth and development through various learning tools.
  • A Cycle to Work Scheme for promoting fitness and environmental consciousness.
  • Volunteering opportunities to contribute to community causes.
• Professional Development: Sodexo is committed to employee growth. You will receive full training, including on Food Hygiene and Health & Safety, and a full protective uniform. This ensures you are well-equipped for the role and have opportunities to advance your career within the organisation.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

To thrive in this role, candidates should possess a specific set of skills and experience:

• Extensive Culinary Experience: Proven expertise in large-scale cooking, catering for between 100 and 1300 students, is essential. Experience with recipe adherence in similar settings is also crucial.
• Management and Supervision: Previous experience in staff supervision or line management is a prerequisite. Your ability to lead and motivate a team will be paramount.
• Food Operations Expertise: A strong understanding of managing all aspects of a catering operation, including labour, food, and stock expenses, is required. Cost optimisation will be a key responsibility.
• Menu Development: Experience in creating and developing menus that are appealing, nutritious, and cater to diverse needs will be highly valued.
• Commitment to Standards: A dedication to maintaining uniform food and service standards is vital. Regular audits will be part of the role, requiring meticulous attention to detail and adherence to procedures.
• Health & Safety and Food Hygiene: A deep awareness and practical application of health and safety procedures are non-negotiable. You will need to hold a basic food handling skills certification, such as an NVQ Level 2 or a Level 2 Food Safety Certificate. While a minimum of 1 year's hands-on cooking experience is required, extensive training on Food Hygiene and Health & Safety will be provided.
• Resilience and Professionalism: The ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a busy kitchen environment is key. Leading by example with a professional demeanour and a positive outlook will significantly influence team performance.
• Safeguarding Children: As this role involves working within a primary school, a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is paramount. Certain roles will require enhanced background checks, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (UK) and/or Disclosure Scotland.

This Cook Manager position at Sodexo represents a compelling opportunity for a dedicated culinary professional to take on a leadership role within a supportive organisation that values its employees' well-being and professional growth. If you are looking for a role where you can make a tangible impact, lead a team, and enjoy a better work-life balance, this could be the ideal next step in your career.