Senior Sous Chef

Unitemps; Warwick; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Six weeks annual holiday

Job summary

Unitemps seeks a Senior Sous Chef for their Warwick campus. The role involves overseeing kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, and managing the kitchen team effectively.

Applicants should have proven culinary skills and experience in catering, with responsibilities including stock management, menu planning, and compliance with food safety standards. The position offers competitive benefits including generous holiday, pension scheme, and staff discounts.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a professional catering environment requiring initiative and self-discipline.
• Experience working within a kitchen brigade, with developing leadership skills.
• Strong understanding of health & safety and food hygiene practices.

Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for kitchen operations in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Lead and supervise the kitchen brigade, ensuring high standards of preparation.
• Manage stock control, ordering, and waste reduction to meet budget targets.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary skills

Food hygiene practices

Knowledge of school nutritional guidelines

Job description

Hours: Monday to Friday, 07:30 – 15:30

Location: Warwick

About the Role

We are looking for a talented and motivated Senior Sous Chef to join a busy and thriving Catering Department within an Independent School. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key leadership role in delivering high-quality, fresh food while supporting the smooth and efficient day‑to‑day operation of the kitchen.

You will work closely with the Head Chef and take responsibility for leading the kitchen team, ensuring exceptional food standards, and maintaining a safe, compliant, and well‑organised environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for kitchen operations in the absence of the Head Chef, including decision‑making, supervision, and service delivery
• Lead and supervise the kitchen brigade, ensuring high standards of preparation, cooking techniques, and presentation
• Motivate and guide the team during service to consistently deliver excellent food quality
• Oversee food safety, hygiene, and cleanliness in line with Food Safety legislation and HACCP procedures
• Manage stock control, ordering, and waste reduction to meet budget targets
• Develop recipes, specifications, and costings for all dishes
• Lead menu planning for daily dining and special functions, ensuring a balanced and nutritious offering
• Take ownership of allergen management and ensure full team compliance
• Support recruitment, training, and performance management of kitchen staff
• Act as a key liaison between kitchen, front of house, and senior management
• Organise and lead weekly team meetings
• Oversee equipment maintenance and ensure safe working practices
• Lead catering for events, functions, and special dinners

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in a professional catering environment requiring initiative and self‑discipline
• Experience working within a kitchen brigade, with developing leadership skills
• Strong understanding of health & safety and food hygiene practices
• Knowledge of school nutritional guidelines
• Excellent culinary skills with a passion for cooking fresh, high‑quality produce
• Strong leadership and team management abilities

What We Offer

• Competitive contributory pension scheme (employee contributions matched by employer contributions up to 14%).
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Six weeks annual holiday plus public holidays.
• Staff Fee remission at our Warwick Campus.
• Life Assurance benefits.
• Free meals and refreshments provided during the working day.
• Free parking on site.
• A virtual GP and Physio service.
• Access to a wide range of retail discounts.
• Salary sacrifice schemes.
• Use of the Sports Complex for staff.
• A strong, supportive staff community.
• Some flexible working will be con

If you are a passionate chef with strong leadership skills looking for a rewarding role with work‑life balance, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now to join our dedicated catering team.