Head Chef

Sodexo is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen and back-of-house operation at our high-profile client site at in Clondalkin.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate and commercially minded chef who can combine high-quality food, team leadership, innovation and strong operational standards within a busy, high-volume catering environment.

You’ll lead a team of 10 kitchen and 8 back-of-house colleagues, supporting the delivery of a high-quality food and hospitality service while ensuring customer satisfaction, financial performance and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen and back-of-house team, creating a positive and collaborative team culture.
• Deliver consistently high-quality food across a high-volume operation.
• Develop innovative food offers, promotions and new products in line with market trends.
• Maximise food and beverage sales opportunities across the site.
• Manage food costs, labour costs, margins and other operational expenses to meet budget and GP targets.
• Ensure compliance with all health & safety, food hygiene, company and client standards.
• Maintain excellent customer and client relationships and respond positively to feedback and complaints.
• Oversee hospitality and event requirements, including regular themed food events.
• Recruit, train, motivate and develop team members, including performance reviews and appraisals.
• Manage rotas, overtime, absence and other employee-related costs effectively.
• Ensure all operational documentation and systems are completed accurately and on time.
• Work closely with the Catering/Business Manager and wider site team to achieve operational and financial objectives.
• Represent Sodexo at client meetings when required.
• Lead by example and continuously look for opportunities to improve the food offer and customer experience.

About You

We’re looking for an experienced senior chef who can demonstrate

• A proven track record in a similar senior kitchen or Head Chef role.
• Strong experience leading and developing a high-performing kitchen team.
• Excellent high-volume cooking and food production skills.
• A genuine passion for fresh, quality food and culinary innovation.
• Experience developing food offers, promotions, theme days and new concepts.
• Strong commercial and financial awareness, including understanding of P&L and food/labour costs.
• Experience working within a standards, compliance or highly regulated environment.
• Excellent communication, organisation and time-management skills.
• The ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Strong customer and client focus.
• Experience delivering hospitality and functions to a high standard.
• Relevant culinary qualifications and training.
• Why Sodexo?
• Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater.