Kitchen Manager, Sodexo

Opportunity Review: Kitchen Manager at Q3 Academy Oldbury

Are you a seasoned culinary professional with a passion for leadership and a desire to make a significant impact? Sodexo is presenting an exceptional opportunity for a Kitchen Manager at Q3 Academy Oldbury, a role that promises both significant responsibility and rewarding career progression.

This position is ideal for individuals who thrive in dynamic, high-volume environments and possess a proven ability to inspire and manage large teams. You will be at the heart of a catering operation that serves over 1,500 meals daily, directly contributing to the positive daily experience of hundreds of pupils. This is more than just a job; it's a chance to be part of a mission-driven team where your expertise will shape a vital service.

Advantages for Aspiring Candidates:

• Leadership Development: This is a hands-on leadership role where you will hone your skills in managing a substantial team, coordinating operations, and driving performance. You'll have the opportunity to develop your strategic thinking and people management abilities.
• Impactful Role: Your work will directly influence the well-being and daily routines of students. Contributing to nutritious and safely prepared meals in an educational setting offers a strong sense of purpose and fulfilment.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Sodexo offers a competitive salary of £16.01 per hour for a 40-hour week, along with a robust benefits package. This includes access to wellbeing and mental health platforms, an Employee Assistance Programme for personal and financial support, and a discounts scheme for retail, travel, and dining.
• Career Growth: With Sodexo's commitment to ongoing development, you'll have access to learning tools and career progression pathways, allowing you to advance your career within a globally recognized organization.
• Valuable Experience: The role provides extensive experience in managing high-volume catering, stock control, labour budgets, and compliance within a school environment, which are highly sought-after skills in the catering industry.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Hands-On Leadership: The description emphasizes a "hands-on" approach. Successful candidates will need to be comfortable leading from the front, actively involved in kitchen operations while simultaneously managing staff and budgets.
• High-Volume Operation: Be prepared for a fast-paced environment. Successfully managing the production of over 1,500 meals daily requires excellent organizational skills, efficient workflow management, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Compliance and Safety Focus: A strong commitment to food safety, hygiene, and compliance with all statutory regulations is paramount. Your attention to detail in these areas will be critical.
• Team Management Skills: The ability to effectively manage, motivate, and train a large team is essential. Experience in creating rotas, managing labour budgets, and fostering a positive team dynamic will be key to your success.
• Educational Sector Exposure: While a chef background and leadership experience are essential, prior experience in education or large-scale catering environments is considered desirable. This suggests that candidates with a good understanding of the unique demands and dynamics of school catering will have an edge.
• Safeguarding Responsibilities: Please note that due to safeguarding responsibilities, successful candidates will undergo thorough background checks, including enhanced DBS screening. This is a standard but important aspect for roles within educational institutions.

This Kitchen Manager position at Q3 Academy Oldbury offers a compelling opportunity for ambitious culinary leaders. It's a role that challenges you to excel, supports your professional growth, and allows you to contribute meaningfully to a community. If you're ready to bring your expertise and passion for exceptional food service to a leading organization, this could be your next significant career move.