Senior Sous Chef – Lead High-Volume School Kitchen

Compass Group PLC; Uppingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Career Pathways & MyLearning

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Groceries discounts

Cinema tickets discount

Cash rewards

Wellness & fitness classes

Discounts for friends & family

Job summary

Compass Group PLC is seeking an experienced Senior Sous Chef to join the Hub Kitchen team at Uppingham School. As second-in-command to the Head Chef, you will lead day-to-day operation of the central production kitchen, oversee large-scale food production and develop a sizeable kitchen team across boarding houses, dining facilities and events.

This hands-on leadership role combines culinary excellence with strong organisational and people-management skills, offering sociable hours and clear

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 Professional Cookery or equivalent.
• Food safety Level 2 qualification.
• Significant experience as a Sous Chef or senior kitchen leader.
• Experience in high-volume catering, central production, education, healthcare or similar environment.
• Proven leadership and development of a kitchen team.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, allergen management, stock control and costs.
• Excellent culinary and large-scale production skills.
• Strong leadership, organisation and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritise effectively and remain calm under pressure.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of food cost management.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in planning and delivering food across the School's catering operation.
• Lead daily food production, ensuring quality, consistency and timely service.
• Oversee the preparation, cooking, portioning and presentation of food to agreed standards.
• Support menu planning, recipe development and seasonal menu changes.
• Lead the production of vegetarian, vegan, allergen-aware and special dietary meals.
• Support formal dinners, boarding house hospitality, school events, theme days and special occasions.
• Drive culinary standards and innovation while working within agreed budgets.
• Ensure portion control, presentation and dietary requirements are consistently maintained.
• Deputise for the Head Chef and take responsibility for the Hub Kitchen in their absence.
• Lead, motivate and develop Sous Chefs, Chef de Parties, Commis Chefs, Apprentices and Catering Assistants.
• Organise daily production schedules and allocate resources effectively.
• Coach and mentor team members, supporting training, performance and career development.
• Promote a positive, professional and collaborative kitchen culture.
• Support recruitment, induction and onboarding where required.
• Lead by example and maintain consistently high standards across the team.
• Coordinate production schedules to meet service requirements efficiently.
• Assist with purchasing, stock control, stock rotation and inventory management.
• Monitor deliveries and ensure supplier quality standards are maintained.
• Support food cost control through effective planning, portion management and waste reduction.
• Oversee production records, dispatch documentation, temperature monitoring and traceability.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is used safely and effectively and report maintenance requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, sustainability and working practices.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and housekeeping.
• Ensure compliance with food safety legislation, HACCP, allergen regulations and Compass and School policies.
• Monitor cooking, cooling, storage, transportation and reheating procedures.
• Complete and oversee all required food safety and compliance records.
• Support internal audits, external inspections and compliance reviews.
• Promote safe working practices and support safeguarding, health and wellbeing.

Skills

Leadership skills

People management

Culinary excellence

Large-scale production

Budget & cost control

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Food Safety Level 2

Job description

Compass Group PLC is seeking an experienced Senior Sous Chef to join the Hub Kitchen team at Uppingham School. As second-in-command to the Head Chef, you will lead day-to-day operation of the central production kitchen, oversee large-scale food production and develop a sizeable kitchen team across boarding houses, dining facilities and events.

This hands-on leadership role combines culinary excellence with strong organisational and people-management skills, offering sociable hours and clear