Junior Sous Chef

REASEHEATH COLLEGE; Nantwich; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known educational institution in Nantwich is seeking a Junior Sous Chef to assist in delivering high-quality catering services for students and staff. This role involves supervising junior staff, maintaining food quality, and collaborating on menu planning. Ideal candidates will have formal qualifications in professional cookery and experience in high-volume kitchens. The position offers regular hours with competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme and sick pay.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme with 20.8% employer contribution

Enhanced sick pay of up to 6 months full pay

Two-week festive/New Year shutdown

Pluxee reward scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in serving high-volume meals.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Experience in supervising kitchen staff.

Responsibilities

• Support junior staff and maintain food quality standards.
• Assist with monthly stock takes and stock control.
• Collaborate with senior chefs for menu delivery.
• Prepare food for upcoming services.

Skills

Cooking from scratch

Food safety knowledge

Supervision

High-volume kitchen experience

Education

City & Guilds 7061/2 or Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery

Minimum Level 2 Food Safety certification

Job description

Overview

Would you like to join our chef team? We are seeking a Junior Sous Chef to assist in the preparation and presentation of a high-quality catering service for up to 1,000 residential, up to 7,500-day students and 650 staff. There is an opportunity to use Reaseheath College produce, including Aberdeen Angus and Wagyu beef, lamb, tomatoes, chillies and fresh salad from our glasshouse, as well as our own cheese and butter. The Junior Sous Chef will support the Head Chef in managing daily kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation. The role involves supervising staff, assisting with menu planning, maintaining hygiene and safety standards, and contributing to stock control and ordering. You will play a key role in delivering fresh, nutritious meals across campus and at occasional events. The role would suit someone who is eager to remain in the hospitality sector but wishes to work a more regular shift pattern with less antisocial hours and no split shifts. Working hours are 37 hours per week generally between 7.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m., 5 days a week over 7 days with only occasional functions.

Responsibilities

• Support junior staff development and maintain food quality, presentation, and portion standards.
• Collaborate with senior chefs to deliver fresh, high-quality menus across campus and events.
• Uphold standards in service, health & safety, and food storage.
• Assist with monthly stock takes and stock control.
• Prepare food ahead for upcoming services.

Qualifications

• City & Guilds 7061/2 or Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery (or equivalent).
• Minimum Level 2 Food Safety certification.
• Skilled in cooking from scratch using fresh ingredients.
• Extensive experience in high-volume kitchens, ideally with banqueting exposure.
• Strong knowledge of industry standards and regulations.
• Experience in supervising staff and coordinating with the culinary team.

Additional Information

• Reaseheath College is committed to achieving its public sector general equality duty, as set out in the Equality Act 2010. The College values equality, diversity and inclusion.
• The College staff recruitment and selection process, CPD processes, policies and practices are designed to ensure employment decisions are based on the skills and qualities required for the position and comply with relevant employment legislation and best practice standards.

Benefits and Status

• Status: Permanent, Full Time, 37 hours per week, working 5 days over 7 (Catering opening hours are between 7.00 a.m. - 7.00 p.m.).
• A two-week festive/New Year shutdown.
• Generous pension scheme with an employer contribution of 20.8%.
• Enhanced sick pay of up to 6 months full pay depending upon service.
• Pluxee reward scheme.