Senior Sous Chef

Sodexo; City Of London; On-site; GBP 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A global service provider in London is seeking a Senior Sous Chef to support the Executive Head Chef at Shell Centre. The ideal candidate will manage kitchen operations, ensure culinary excellence, and lead a high-performing kitchen team. Responsibilities include budget management, implementing health standards, and nurturing a positive work environment. This role comes with a competitive salary and offers a range of benefits to support employee wellbeing.

Benefits

Unlimited access to wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme

24/7 access to a virtual GP

Sodexo Discounts Scheme

Pension plan

Career development opportunities

Bike to Work scheme

Enhanced family leave benefits

Qualifications

• A genuine passion for great food and hospitality.
• Proven leadership in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Experience managing stock control and budgets.
• Calm, positive, and professional under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented to the highest standard.
• Manage kitchen budgets and control food costs.
• Maintain compliance with food hygiene and safety standards.
• Motivate and lead the kitchen team.

Skills

Leadership in kitchen environment

Communication skills

Time management

Team player

IT literate

Education

Food Hygiene Level 3 Certificate

706/2 or NVQ2 Chef qualification (or equivalent)

Job description

Senior Sous Chef - Shell Centre, London, SE1 7NA

Location: Shell Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 7NA
Hours: 37.5 per week | Monday to Friday, 7:30am - 3:00pm
Salary: £46,427 per annum

About the Role

We're looking for a talented Senior Sous Chef to join our team at the iconic Shell Centre in London. In this pivotal role, you'll support the Executive Head Chef in delivering outstanding culinary experiences while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency.

You’ll lead by example, inspire the kitchen team, and help shape a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace. You’ll also take ownership of cost management, stock control, equipment maintenance, and compliance - ensuring the smooth daily running of our kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Excellence

• Ensure all dishes are prepared, cooked, and presented to the highest standard and in line with menu specifications and food safety policies.

• Support the Executive Head Chef in developing and launching new menu initiatives, using data and insight to guide decisions.

• Manage customer feedback constructively, working collaboratively to enhance the dining experience.

• Minimise and record food wastage, taking proactive steps to reduce it across kitchen and FOH operations.

• Promote sustainability in all kitchen operations, meeting deadlines for Sodexo’s green initiatives.

• Place and manage orders with Sodexo’s approved suppliers.

Financial Management

• Manage kitchen budgets, ensuring all expenditure aligns with company policies and approved vendors.

• Monitor and control food and labour costs, supporting GP performance improvement.

• Oversee all aspects of stock control - including counting, checks, and reconciliations.

• Work closely with the Catering Operations Manager to drive a unified one team approach.

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain strict compliance with Sodexo and statutory food hygiene, health & safety, and allergen standards.

• Ensure the kitchen team adheres to PPE, uniform, and personal hygiene policies at all times.

• Report and manage equipment issues promptly, ensuring safe operations.

• Act as a Sodexo Allergen Champion, ensuring each catering area has a designated champion.

• Lead regular team safety huddles to promote a Zero Harm Mindset.

People & Leadership

• Motivate and lead your team with professionalism, dignity, and respect, promoting a culture of growth and collaboration.

• Ensure all kitchen team members receive appropriate training and development.

• Provide thorough briefings to agency or temporary staff.

• Conduct regular one-to-ones, manage performance fairly, and maintain open communication with FOH leadership.

Administration & Operations

• Maintain accurate kitchen documentation, stock and training records, and ensure compliance with Sodexo standards.

• Support with audits, internal reviews, and reporting to ensure best practice.

• Lead by example in maintaining high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and efficiency.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience

• A genuine passion for great food and hospitality

• Proven leadership in a fast-paced kitchen environment

• Experience managing stock control and budgets

• Excellent communication, organisation, and time management skills

• Calm, positive, and professional under pressure

• Strong team player who supports and develops others

• IT literate

• Food Hygiene Level 3 Certificate

• 706/2 or NVQ2 Chef qualification (or equivalent)

Desirable

• Previous Senior Sous or Sous Chef experience

• Menu planning and development experience

• Familiarity with Sodexo systems and processes

• Awareness of current culinary trends and innovations

What We Offer

Working with Sodexo is more than just a job - it's a chance to be part of something greater. You'll belong to a company that values who you are, empowers you to act with purpose, and helps you thrive in your own way.

Benefits include:

• Unlimited access to wellbeing and mental health support

• Extensive Employee Assistance Programme (including legal and financial advice)

• 24/7 access to a virtual GP

• Sodexo Discounts Scheme - great savings across major brands

• Pension plan and savings options

• Career development opportunities through learning and training

• Bike to Work scheme

• Enhanced family leave and flexible benefits

About Sodexo

At Sodexo, our purpose is simple - to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all.

As a global leader in services that improve quality of life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers every day.

We're proud to be an inclusive and forces-friendly employer, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We're also a Disability Confident Leader, committed to providing opportunities for everyone to succeed.

Join one of our Employee Networks - such as Pride, Parents & Carers, Disability Ability, SoTogether, Generations, or Origins - and help us build a culture of belonging.

Ready to be part of something greater?

Feed our customers and we'll fuel your career.

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.