Senior Sous Chef

Aramark; Greater London; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Graysons at British Library in London is recruiting a Senior Sous Chef to help run our busy kitchens. The role covers 3 public cafes, staff restaurant and events for up to 300 guests, with a brigade of 5 chefs and a focus on high-quality food and safety standards.

You will support the Head Chef with menu development, lead the team, manage operations and contribute to cost control and sustainability. 40 hours per week, with some overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2/3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent).
• Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate.
• Basic DBS clearance required.
• First aid at work certificate (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation and execution of food for events and retail outlets.
• Ensure presentation and quality meet Graysons standards.
• Maintain stock levels and assist with ordering and supplier management.
• Oversee kitchen operations in Head Chef's absence.
• Supervise and train junior kitchen staff.
• Foster a positive and productive kitchen environment.
• Support rota planning and shift management.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Food safety

EPOS systems

Events catering

Mobile catering

Education

NVQ Level 2/3

Food Safety

DBS clearance

First aid at work

Tools

EPOS systems

Kitchen management software

Job description

At Aramark we empower our people to create experiences that matter.
We share a passion for hospitality, it’s at the foundation of everything we do. Hospitality excellence is brought to life by our people every day. We embrace our responsibility to our people, our communities, and our planet. While the services we provide, and the industries we serve, are extensive, we never waver from our people-first approach.

Job Description

Graysons at British Library | 96 Euston Road NW1 2DB

We are recruiting a Senior Sous Chef to help run our busy kitchens;

• 3 public cafes serving main meals, sandwiches, snacks….
• Staff Restaurant: Breakfast & lunch
• Events for up to 300, dinners, buffets, canapes & bowls, sandwiches lunches

Hours/pay

• 40 pw. Mon – Fri working one Saturday out of 3. Some evenings
• £45K pa. During busy periods extra hours are paid as overtime.

Overview:

• Brigade of 5 chefs, Kitchen Assistant, KPs x 2
• To support the Head Chef in delivering high-quality food across events and retail outlets, ensuring consistency, creativity, and compliance with food safety standards. The Sous Chef will play a key role in menu development, team leadership, and operational efficiency.

Operational Duties:

• Assist in the preparation and execution of food for events (corporate, private, public) and retail outlets (cafés, kiosks, pop‑ups).
• Ensure food presentation and quality meet Graysons standards.
• Maintain stock levels and assist with ordering and supplier management.
• Oversee kitchen operations in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Supervise and train junior kitchen staff.
• Foster a positive and productive kitchen environment.
• Support rota planning and shift management.

Compliance & Safety:

• Ensure adherence to food hygiene, health & safety regulations.
• Maintain accurate records for HACCP and allergen management.
• Participate in audits.

Menu Development:

• Contribute to seasonal and event‑specific menu planning.
• Innovate with food trends and customer preferences.
• Support cost control and margin improvement through smart sourcing and portion control
• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in events, hospitality, and retail.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and kitchen operations.
• Ability to manage high‑volume service and fast‑paced environments.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Experience in multi‑site or mobile catering operations.
• Passion for food innovation and sustainability.
• Familiarity with EPOS systems and kitchen management software.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent).
• Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate
• Basic DBS clearance required.
• First aid at work certificate (desirable)

You must be eligible to work full time in the UK

Additional Information

At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive.

As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.

We are an Armed Forces Friendly organisation and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, cadet forces adult volunteers, reservists and military families.

For roles requiring security clearance, any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion and maintenance of the required level of security clearance. Applicants must meet the relevant eligibility and residency requirements applicable to that level of clearance.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all employees and workers to share this commitment. Where relevant to the role, safer recruitment checks will apply, including references and an enhanced DBS check in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any adjustments or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team – [e-mail]

Join us in fostering a workplace where everyone can achieve their full potential.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive.

As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.

We are an Armed Forces Friendly organisation and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, cadet forces adult volunteers, reservists and military families.

For roles requiring security clearance, any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion and maintenance of the required level of security clearance. Applicants must meet the relevant eligibility and residency requirements applicable to that level of clearance.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all employees and workers to share this commitment. Where relevant to the role, safer recruitment checks will apply, including referencesand an enhanced DBS checkin line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any adjustments or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team – [e-mail]

Join us in fostering a workplace where everyone can achieve their full potential.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.