School Sous Chef - Uppingham

Lodestone House; Uppingham; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Career Pathways program

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Job summary

Uppingham School is seeking a proactive Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in the Hub Kitchen. You will lead a kitchen team, ensure high-quality, nutritious meals for pupils, staff, and visitors, and uphold food safety, hygiene and operational standards.

The role requires hands-on leadership in a busy school environment, with a focus on fresh food, teamwork and delivering an exceptional dining experience. The position is based at Uppingham School, Rutland.

Qualifications

• Professional cookery qualification and food safety certification are essential.
• Experience as Sous Chef or senior chef in high-volume catering.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, allergen management and kitchen best practices.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in preparing and delivering meals for pupils, staff and visitors.
• Lead kitchen operations and supervise chefs and kitchen staff.
• Assist with menu planning, recipe development and seasonal dishes.
• Prepare a wide range of meals including vegetarian and allergen-aware options.
• Maintain portion control, food quality and stock management.
• Ensure HACCP compliance and high standards of hygiene and safety.

Skills

Food safety

High-volume catering

Leadership

Team development

Attention to detail

Communication

Allergen management

Education

NVQ 2/3

City & Guilds

Food Safety Level 3

Job description

Benefits

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
• Working 5 out of 7 days
• Paid overtime (£2-3k)

Sous Chef – Hub Kitchen

Uppingham School

Reporting To

Head Chef

Location

Uppingham School, Rutland

Job Purpose

The Sous Chef plays a key role in supporting the Head Chef with the day-to-day operation of the Hub Kitchen, helping to deliver high-quality, nutritious, and appealing meals to pupils, staff, and visitors across the School. The successful candidate will assist in leading the kitchen team, ensuring food is prepared and presented to the highest standards while maintaining excellent food safety, hygiene, and operational procedures. The role requires a proactive and hands-on chef who is passionate about fresh food, teamwork, and delivering an exceptional dining experience within a busy educational environment.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation and Service

• Support the Head Chef in the preparation and delivery of breakfast, lunch, supper.
• Ensure all food is prepared, cooked, and presented to a consistently high standard.
• Assist with menu planning, recipe development, and the introduction of seasonal dishes.
• Prepare a wide variety of fresh meals, including vegetarian, vegan, allergen-aware, and special dietary options.
• Contribute to theme days, special events, formal dinners, and school functions.
• Ensure portion control and food quality standards are always maintained.

Kitchen Leadership

• Supervise and support chefs, kitchen assistants, and other catering staff.
• Assist in organising daily kitchen operations and staff duties.
• Provide training, guidance, and mentoring to junior members of the team.
• Lead the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative working environment.

Kitchen Operations

• Assist with stock control, ordering, and inventory management.
• Monitor food deliveries and ensure correct storage procedures are followed.
• Help manage food costs and minimise wastage.
• Ensure equipment is used correctly and report maintenance requirements promptly.
• Support the efficient operation of all catering services within the Hub Kitchen.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP procedures, food safety legislation, and School policies.
• Adhere to allergen management procedures and dietary requirements.
• Complete all relevant food safety records and documentation.
• Support the School’s commitment to health, safety, safeguarding, and wellbeing.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications And Experience

• Professional Cookery qualification (NVQ Level 2/3, City & Guilds, or equivalent).
• Food Safety Level 3 Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Senior Chef de Partie, or equivalent role.
• Experience working within a high-volume catering operation.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, allergen management, and kitchen best practices.

Essential Skills And Attributes

• Excellent culinary skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Leadership and team development capabilities.
• Positive and flexible approach to work.
• Commitment to delivering outstanding food and service.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable

• Experience within an independent school, educational, healthcare, or contract catering environment.
• Experience of large-scale food production.
• Knowledge of sustainable food sourcing and waste reduction initiatives.
• First Aid qualification.

Hours of Work

The role will operate on a rota basis determined by operational requirements and may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional school events.

Safeguarding Statement

Uppingham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance and all relevant pre-employment checks.

Key Objective

To support the Head Chef in delivering an exceptional catering service that reflects Uppingham School's commitment to excellence, providing nutritious, high-quality meals for the whole school community.

About Us

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Job Reference: com/0409/43928001/52825031/R/SU #Lodestone House

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!