Senior Sous Chef

Compass Group UK; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in London seeks a Senior Sous Chef to lead a passionate kitchen team. This role requires culinary vision and operational discipline to oversee large-scale events while maintaining high standards. Enjoy daytime hours and a variety of perks, including training opportunities and free daily lunch, in a balanced work environment.

Benefits

Competitive trend-setting package

Training and development opportunities

Free daily lunch

Wellbeing and social events

Employee referral scheme

Enhanced Company pension scheme

Eyecare allowance

Exclusive discounts

Qualifications

• Experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-end environment.
• Ability to inspire and lead a kitchen team.
• Skill in menu development and event planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the kitchen brigade for service excellence.
• Collaborate on menu development and event planning.
• Maintain quality, safety, and presentation across all dishes.
• Mentor junior chefs while fostering a creative culture.
• Mentor junior chefs to foster growth and teamwork.
• Oversee kitchen operations in the Head Chef's absence.
• Drive innovation for seasonal menus and event concepts.

Skills

Culinary vision

Leadership

Creativity

Operational discipline

Menu innovation

Job description

At Rocket, we create unforgettable dining experiences for some of the UK's most prestigious events and venues. For over two decades, our name has been synonymous with creativity, precision and exceptional service — from elegant dinners to large-scale celebrations that leave a lasting impression.

We’re looking for a Senior Sous Chef who brings both culinary vision and genuine care. Someone who steers with confidence, accuracy and care — inspiring a flexible, passionate team to deliver consistent excellence. You’ll combine creativity with operational discipline, oversee production for large-scale events, dinners for 400+, and bowl food for up to 800 guests while maintaining quality, and ensuring that every dish reflects Rocket’s uncompromising standards.

You’ll work closely with our Head Chef and Executive Chef, collaborating on menu innovation and bringing Rocket’s creative vision to life across every event.

This role suits a Sous Chef ready for the next step or Senior Sous Chef from a five‑star hotel or well‑known events company — someone who thrives on delivering at scale but is ready for a better work‑life balance. Unlike the intensity of a Michelin environment, here you’ll enjoy daytime hours, Monday to Friday, with just two or three evening events a week and occasional weekends (paid as overtime).

What you’ll do

• Lead and inspire the kitchen brigade, setting the standard for excellence in every service
• Collaborate with the Head Chef and Executive Chef on menu development, event planning, and operational strategy
• Maintain consistency, efficiency, and financial accountability across all kitchen operations
• Champion quality, safety, and presentation, ensuring every dish meets Rocket’s exacting standards
• Mentor and develop junior chefs, fostering a culture of growth, teamwork, and creativity
• Take charge of the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence, ensuring seamless operations
• Drive innovation by contributing ideas for seasonal menus and new event concepts

Some of our benefits

• A competitive, trend‑setting package
• Training and development opportunities to help you grow and thrive
• Free daily lunch at our Battersea HQ — freshly made in‑house using sustainable, seasonal ingredients
• Wellbeing and social events that bring our teams together
• Employee referral scheme
• Enhanced Company pension scheme and Life Assurance to support your future
• Eyecare allowance to help you stay sharp
• Exclusive discounts across thousands of retail partners and brands
• And plenty more perks that make life at Rocket genuinely rewarding.

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.