Deputy Chef Manager

Sodexo France; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global service leader is looking for an experienced Deputy Catering Manager for the Phillips 66 Humber Refinery in the UK. The successful candidate will lead kitchen operations, support the Chef Manager, and ensure the delivery of 400–600 high-quality meals daily. Essential qualifications include NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery and a Level 2 Food Safety Certificate. This role offers an opportunity to thrive in a dynamic environment, contributing to a team that values greatness in food service.

Benefits

Uniform provided

Free Daily Lunch Allowance

Free on-site parking

Unlimited access to wellbeing support

24/7 virtual GP service

Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme

Sodexo Discounts Scheme

Membership in Pension Plan

Ongoing learning and development opportunities

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Cook-Chill Catering and HACCP principles.
• Proven ability to deliver high-volume catering (400–600 meals per day).
• Experience managing in a contract catering environment is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chef Manager in planning and delivering meals.
• Ensure food quality and safety meet Sodexo standards.
• Lead kitchen staff, promoting teamwork and development.

Skills

Operationally driven

Excellent communication skills

Strong organizational skills

Proactive and adaptable

Education

NVQ Level 2 / City & Guilds in Professional Cookery

Level 2 Food Safety Certificate

IOSH Managing Safely

Job description

Deputy Catering Manager

Location: Phillips 66 Humber Refinery, Eastfield Road, South Killingholme, DN40 3DW

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday 7.30am - 4.00pm

Salary: £15.50 per hour

Benefits: Uniform provided | Free Daily Lunch Allowance | Free on-site parking

About the Role

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Deputy Catering Manager to join our Sodexo team at the Phillips 66 Humber Refinery.

You’ll play a key role in leading kitchen operations, supporting the Chef Manager, and ensuring the delivery of 400–600 high-quality meals per day to our clients and colleagues. From managing food standards and safety to driving creativity in menu planning, this is an exciting opportunity to make an impact in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chef Manager in planning, producing, and delivering daily meals and catering events to the highest standard.
• Lead by example, ensuring food quality, safety, and presentation meet Sodexo and client expectations.
• Oversee and support kitchen staff, promoting teamwork, training, and professional development.
• Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, Food Safety, COSHH, and HACCP requirements.
• Assist in menu planning, recipe costing, and stock control using Sodexo’s Recipe Online and Chef’s Work systems.
• Monitor food production, portion control, and waste reduction to maintain cost efficiency.
• Conduct and record regular temperature checks for all kitchen equipment and food storage areas.
• Support audits for cook-chill production and ensure corrective actions are completed.
• Liaise with suppliers, ensuring deliveries meet quality standards and goods are stored correctly on a first-in, first-out basis.
• Assist in the management of kitchen budgets, labour control, and purchasing within agreed financial targets.
• Lead daily team briefings, ensuring clear communication of menus, promotions, and service expectations.
• Contribute to staff training programmes, appraisals, and compliance with Sodexo standards and procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organised kitchen environment at all times.
• Communicate professionally with clients, customers, and Sodexo colleagues, maintaining strong relationships and positive feedback.
• Support special catering events and functions as required, occasionally outside normal working hours.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives, driving innovation and excellence across the service.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is operationally driven, passionate about great food, and thrives in a team environment.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• NVQ Level 2 / City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2 (or equivalent) in Professional Cookery
• Level 2 Food Safety Certificate
• Knowledge of Cook-Chill Catering and HACCP principles
• IOSH Managing Safely (or similar qualification)
• Strong organisational and delegation skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proven ability to deliver high-volume catering (400–600 meals per day)
• Proactive, adaptable, and committed to delivering outstanding customer service
• Desirable:
  • RIPHH Certificate or equivalent food hygiene qualification
  • Experience managing in a contract catering or industrial site environment
  • Creative flair for menu planning, healthy eating, and sustainability

Why Choose Sodexo?

Working with Sodexo is more than just a job — it’s a chance to be part of something greater.

You’ll belong to a team that values you for who you are, empowers you to make an impact, and helps you thrive.

We offer:

• Unlimited access to wellbeing support through our online platform
• 24/7 virtual GP service
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (including legal and financial advice)
• Sodexo Discounts Scheme – savings with leading retailers for you and your family
• Membership in our Pension Plan
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Enhanced benefits and leave policies for colleagues across the UK & Ireland

About Sodexo

At Sodexo, our purpose is simple: to create a better everyday for everyone, to build a better life for all. We are the global leader in services that improve Quality of Life, operating in 55 countries and serving over 100 million people daily across Food, Facilities Management, and Benefits & Rewards Services. We’re proud to be an inclusive, forces-friendly, and Disability Confident Leader employer, welcoming people from all backgrounds and experiences. Join our colleague networks — Pride, Parents & Carers, Disability Ability, SoTogether, Generations, Origins — and help shape a workplace where everyone belongs.

Ready to be part of something greater?

Apply today and bring your culinary leadership to a place where your work truly makes a difference.

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications.