Production & Catering Sous Chef

Ottolenghi; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Staff meals on shift

Health plan (HSF)

Refer a Friend £500 bonus

Development opportunities

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Ottolenghi is seeking a Production and Catering Sous Chef for our Central Production Unit on Holloway Road, London. You will support the Savoury Manager, oversee daily kitchen operations, and lead a team to deliver high-quality production and large-scale catering events.

We value hands-on leadership, robust food safety practices, and a passion for great hospitality. This is a busy, high-energy role where quality and consistency matter across all Ottolenghi venues.

Qualifications

• Experience as Sous Chef or senior kitchen role.
• Strong knowledge of cooking methods and equipment.
• Excellent leadership and ability to develop a team.
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a busy kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Support the Savoury Manager with the daily running of the kitchen.
• Help ensure all kitchen operations are organised, efficient and meet standards.
• Lead and coordinate the kitchen team across daily production and catering events.
• Monitor food preparation and presentation, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Support planning and delivery of special catering events and banquets.
• Train, mentor and develop kitchen team members and provide feedback.

Skills

Sous chef experience

Kitchen leadership

Food safety

Budgeting & cost control

Stock management

Education

Culinary qualification

Tools

Professional kitchen equipment

Job description

At Ottolenghi, we're known for vibrant food, busy delis, and restaurants full of energy — but what really matters is our people. We create environments where teams feel supported, take pride in what they do, and deliver a genuinely warm experience to every guest.

Our Central Production Unit on Holloway Road is the team that keeps every Ottolenghi venue running smoothly. Working behind the scenes, the CPU supports our restaurants and delis across the group — ensuring everything is in place so our teams can do what they do best. It's a hands-on, people-first environment, and some roles may involve travel to our sites. We are now looking for a talented Production and Catering Sous Chef to join our team.

What you'll do

• Support the Savoury Manager with the daily running of the kitchen
• Help ensure all kitchen operations are organised, efficient and completed to the required standards
• Lead and coordinate the kitchen team across daily production and catering events
• Monitor food preparation and presentation, ensuring consistency and quality
• Support the planning and delivery of special catering events and banquets
• Train, mentor and develop kitchen team members, helping them build their skills and confidence
• Provide constructive feedback and support the performance and development of the team
• Manage stock levels, place orders and ensure products are stored and rotated correctly
• Assist with monitoring food and labour costs and work within agreed budgets
• Carry out regular stock checks and help maintain accurate inventory levels
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and health & safety
• Ensure dishes and products are prepared consistently and according to Ottolenghi standards
• Monitor portion control and help minimise food waste
• Work closely with our shops to ensure food quality is maintained and gather feedback
• Respond to any shop concerns or issues promptly, keeping the Managers informed
• Support the wider Production & Catering team wherever needed

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience in a Sous Chef or senior kitchen role
• Strong knowledge of cooking methods, kitchen equipment and professional kitchen practices
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team
• Well organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy environment
• Confident working under pressure while maintaining high standards
• Strong understanding of stock management, ordering and cost control
• Good knowledge of food hygiene, health & safety and food safety standards
• Experience supporting catering events or large-scale production is desirable
• A genuine passion for food and a commitment to quality
• A positive, hands-on approach and willingness to support the wider team

What You’ll Need

• Culinary qualification or relevant professional kitchen experience
• Good understanding of food safety and hygiene requirements
• Ability to work on your feet for extended periods and safely handle heavy items
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays where required

Working Environment

You’ll be working in a fast-paced production kitchen, where no two days are quite the same. The environment can be busy, hot and demanding, so we’re looking for someone who thrives under pressure, stays organised and leads by example.

What’s in it for you?

• 28 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays
• Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount
• Health and well-being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts
• Refer a Friend Bonus: £500 for each successful referral
• Learning & Development opportunities including management coaching, WSET wine training, Ottolenghi Chef’s Academy workshops, and access to external courses
• A warm, inclusive working culture where individuality, growth, and creativity are celebrated
• Enhanced Parental Pay after two years’ service
• A special birthday treat to celebrate your day
• Exclusive workshops and demos, including cooking, food, wine, and cocktail sessions in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen
• A collaborative and creative environment where your ideas are valued

If you care about great food, great people, and doing things properly, we'd love to hear from you.