Production & Catering Sous Chef - Lead Busy Kitchen

Ottolenghi CPU; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Staff meals on shift

Healthcare plan (HSF)

Perkbox discounts

Refer a Friend Bonus: £500

Learning & Development opportunities

Birthday and staff events

Job summary

Ottolenghi Central Production Unit on Holloway Road is seeking a talented Production and Catering Sous Chef to join a fast-paced, hands-on kitchen team. The role supports daily kitchen operations, leads the kitchen, mentors staff, and helps manage catering events and banquets to Ottolenghi standards.

You’ll ensure food quality, manage stock and costs, and uphold rigorous hygiene and safety practices in a busy production environment.

Qualifications

• Culinary qualification or relevant kitchen experience.
• Strong knowledge 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.

Responsibilities

• Support the Savoury Manager with the daily running of the kitchen.
• Lead and coordinate the kitchen team across daily production and catering events.
• Monitor food preparation and presentation, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Plan and deliver special catering events and banquets.
• Train, mentor and develop kitchen team members.
• Provide 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 budgets.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and health & safety.
• Ensure dishes are prepared consistently and according to Ottolenghi standards.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Prioritisation

Working under pressure

Stock management

Cost control

Food hygiene

Education

Culinary qualification

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

Ottolenghi Central Production Unit on Holloway Road is seeking a talented Production and Catering Sous Chef to join a fast-paced, hands-on kitchen team. The role supports daily kitchen operations, leads the kitchen, mentors staff, and helps manage catering events and banquets to Ottolenghi standards.

You’ll ensure food quality, manage stock and costs, and uphold rigorous hygiene and safety practices in a busy production environment.