Senior Sous Chef

ACS International; Cobham; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

ACS International School Cobham is seeking an exceptional Senior Sous Chef to support the day-to-day running of our kitchens, delivering nutritious meals to a diverse international student body aged 3–18 and staff. This hands-on, fast-paced role requires leadership, menu design, HACCP compliance, stock control and the ability to cover the Catering Manager when needed.

Working hours are term-time, with additional evening shifts every third week.

Qualifications

• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate; Level 3 desirable
• HACCP knowledge and implementation experience
• First Aid at work qualification desirable
• Proven experience as a Senior Sous Chef
• Experience maintaining high food quality and presentation
• Menu planning and development skills
• Experience managing and ordering stock
• Health and safety compliance
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Ability to motivate and inspire a team

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operation of the kitchens
• Mentor and develop catering staff
• Deliver high volume, high quality breakfast and lunch services
• Design innovative, nutritionally balanced menus
• Take full operational responsibility in Catering Manager’s absence
• Support special events, executive dining and extra catering services
• Shape the food experience and culture of the kitchen

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Menu planning

Stock management

HACCP knowledge

Food hygiene

Resilience and adaptability

Hours flexibility

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (desirable)

Culinary qualification or equivalent

Job description

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Sous Chef to support with the day to day running of our kitchens at ACS International School Cobham.

This is a hands‑on role for a confident and skilled culinary professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment. You will play a key role in delivering high-quality, nutritious food to a diverse international community of students aged 3–18 and staff, while supporting, motivating and developing a talented catering team.

If you are passionate about food and creating a positive kitchen culture, this is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact.

Working hours are term time only, 06:30 – 15:30 Monday to Friday, 45 hours per week, 45 weeks per year (including 3 non term time weeks) + on every third week, you will cover the Thursday & Friday evening shifts, 10:15-19:15

As Senior Sous Chef, you will:

• Support overseeing the daily operation of the kitchens
• Mentor and develop catering staff
• Deliver high volume, high quality breakfast and lunch services
• Design innovative, nutritionally balanced menus
• Take full operational responsibility in the Catering Manager’s absence
• Support special events, executive dining and extra catering services
• You will play a central role in shaping both the food experience and the culture of the kitchen.

Health, Safety & Standards:

• Ensure full compliance with Health and Safety legislation and in house procedures
• Lead the implementation and monitoring of HACCP policy
• Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene and cleanliness
• Achieve maximum scores in Local Authority hygiene inspections
• Ensure all food storage and equipment meet required standards.

Leadership & Operational Excellence:

• Drive a culture of high performance and continuous improvement
• Oversee kitchen organisation and staffing efficiency
• Support supply ordering, stock control and budget management
• Develop strong operational knowledge to support succession planning
• Provide clear, professional communication across teams
• Potentially work across other ACS schools for cover, training or meetings.

Stock Control & Budget Management:

• Manage ordering, stock control and detailed record keeping
• Minimise waste and improve waste reduction systems
• Control costs while maintaining ingredient quality
• Ensure menu specials make intelligent use of existing stock
• Coordinate supply ordering with Front of House and kitchen teams.

Food & Menu Development:

• Lead the preparation and production of all food
• Support grab and go and breaktime menus
• Create engaging, innovative menus for a diverse international student body
• Maintain high nutritional standards across all age groups.

Working closely with the Catering Manager:

• Drive student uptake and engagement
• Support cookery clubs, events and special functions
• Build strong relationships with internal and external clients
• Contribute to business growth and service development.

Sustainability & Continuous Improvement:
We are committed to responsible catering practices. You will:

• Support being a more sustainable kitchen environment
• Promote efficient ordering and operational systems
• Reduce waste and improve kitchen sustainability practices.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications required:

• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate, level 3 is highly desirable
• HACCP knowledge & implantation experience
• First Aid at work qualification is desirable
• Proven experience as a Senior Sour Chef
• Experience maintaining high food quality and presentation standards
• Menu planning and development skills
• Experience managing and ordering stock
• Health and safety compliance
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Ability to motivate and inspire a team
• Resilient and adaptable
• Flexibility with working hours including evenings and weekends
• Own transport to campus due to the location is preferred
• Applicants must be in the UK/a UK citizen as visa sponsorship is not possible for this role.

Working hours: 06:30 – 15:30, Monday to Friday, term time only, 45 hours per week, 45 weeks per year (including 3 non term time weeks) + on every third week, you will cover the Thursday & Friday evening shifts, 10:15-19:15

Start date: As soon as possible

Safeguarding:
ACS is committed to inclusion across race, gender, faith, identity and abilities. We believe that diversity helps us to fulfil our purpose, realise our vision and exemplify our values.

ACS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and employees of ACS are expected to share this commitment. This position is therefore subject to pre‑employment compliance checks and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.