Cook Manager

Job Introduction

As Cook Manager for Sodexo at Derwent School, Hitchin Rd, Henlow SG16 6BA
, you will oversee all aspects of food and beverage operations as well as the finances for the school’s kitchen. You will be responsible for ensuring that the food and level of service are of the highest calibre and that the school catering is among the best in the region. Your attitude will influence your team’s daily lives as the person they go to for direction and support, fostering a vibrant and productive work environment.

In this role you will not work unsociable hours and you will get public holidays off, including Christmas.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong to a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

• Manage the replenishment of food and the dismantling of work areas at the end of service.
• Develop, mentor, conduct training, and inspire the kitchen team.
• Control the complete catering operation, including labour, food and stock expenses.
• Manage and optimise all costs that are under your control.
• Ensure uniformity in the food and service standards provided to staff, visitors and students.
• Manage the creation and development of menus.
• Conduct routine audits to ensure standards are being followed.

• Expertise on cooking on a large scale, between 100 – 1300 students.
• Experience following recipes, possibly in a similar setting.
• Previous staff supervision or line management experience.
• Experience working with fresh produce and ingredients.
• Awareness of the importance of adhering to health and safety procedures.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines in a busy kitchen environment.
• Professional, leading by example and having a positive outlook.
• Hold basic food handling skills certification:
• NVQ Level 2
• Level 2 Food Safety Certificate
• Minimum 1 year of experience in hands‑on cooking, training on Food Hygiene and Health & Safety.

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. We value you for your unique contributions and provide a supportive environment.

• Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
• Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support.
• Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes access to a 24‑hour virtual GP.
• The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7, also open to friends and family.
• Money insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
• Member of the Sodexo Retirement Plan.
• Death-in-Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo.
• Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career, including a variety of learning and development tools.
• Cycle‑to‑Work Scheme to help colleagues reduce their environmental impact.
• Volunteering opportunities to support worthwhile causes in our communities.
• Flexible and dynamic work environment.
• Competitive compensation.
• Full training and full protective uniform supplied.

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (UK) and/or Disclosure Scotland (Scotland).

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications.

• £15 per hour
• 35 hours per week
• Working pattern:
  Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 3 PM
• Term‑time only (39‑week working contract paid over 52 weeks)

Equated pay is calculated so you receive equal amounts of pay every month. Further information will be supplied at interview stage.

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday life for everyone. 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 combination of on‑site food and facilities management services, benefits and rewards, and personal and home services.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds and identities. We encourage employees to get involved with our employee networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.

We are a Disability Confident Leader employer and run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Management and Manufacturing

Facilities Services