Senior Sous Chef

Sodexo; Royston; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking a Senior Sous Chef for our busy corporate catering operation at Johnson Matthey in Royston. This permanent role is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm, offering a strong leadership position in a fast‑paced kitchen.

You will lead the kitchen team, manage stock and food costs, uphold food safety standards and welcome opportunities to develop menus and service quality while deputising for the Head Chef as required.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a busy catering or hospitality environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a kitchen team.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, allergen management and health & safety compliance.
• Experience managing food costs, stock control and kitchen operations.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• A Professional Cookery qualification (706/2, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent) and an IOSH qualification, or a willingness to work towards one.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation, production and presentation of high-quality food, ensuring consistency and excellent standards at every service.
• Support the Head Chef with the day-to-day running of the kitchen, deputising in their absence when required.
• Supervise, coach and develop the kitchen team, creating a positive and efficient working environment.
• Manage stock, ordering, food costs and kitchen due diligence, ensuring compliance with food safety, allergen and health & safety legislation.
• Support the delivery of hospitality events and continually look for ways to improve quality, efficiency and the overall dining experience.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

Stock control

Menu delivery

Organised

Education

Professional Cookery qualification (706/2) or NVQ Level 3

IOSH qualification or willingness to work towards one

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Royston

Job Title: Senior Sous Chef
Location: Royston
Contract: Permanent, 40 hours per week
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm
Rate of Pay: £15.60 per hour

About the Role

Are you a passionate chef who takes pride in producing high-quality food and leading by example? We're looking for a Senior Sous Chef to join our team at Johnson Matthey in Royston, supporting the Head Chef in delivering an outstanding food offer across our busy corporate catering operation.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced chef to showcase their culinary skills while helping to lead a talented kitchen team. You'll be responsible for maintaining exceptional food quality, driving consistency, supporting menu delivery and ensuring the highest standards of food safety, compliance and kitchen performance. In the Head Chef's absence, you'll confidently take the lead to ensure the kitchen continues to run smoothly and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation, production and presentation of high-quality food, ensuring consistency and excellent standards at every service.
• Support the Head Chef with the day-to-day running of the kitchen, deputising in their absence when required.
• Supervise, coach and develop the kitchen team, creating a positive and efficient working environment.
• Manage stock, ordering, food costs and kitchen due diligence, ensuring compliance with food safety, allergen and health & safety legislation.
• Support the delivery of hospitality events and continually look for ways to improve quality, efficiency and the overall dining experience.

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a busy catering or hospitality environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a kitchen team.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, allergen management and health & safety compliance.
• Experience managing food costs, stock control and kitchen operations.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• A Professional Cookery qualification (706/2, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent) and an IOSH qualification, or a willingness to work towards one.

What We Offer

Working with Sodexo is more than a job it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer a range of resources, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families.

About Sodexo

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. We are a global leader in services that improve Quality of Life, operating in 55 countries and serving over 100 million consumers each day. We believe in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.