Senior Sous Chef - Lead High-Volume University Kitchen

Chartwells Independent; Greater London; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Personal development

Life assurance

Pension scheme

Holiday allowance

Wellbeing strategy

Health app access

Family friendly support

Holiday purchase scheme

Regular social events

Volunteering days

Recognition schemes

Long service awards

Discount vouchers

Job summary

Gather & Gather, part of Compass Group UK&I, is recruiting a Junior Sous Chef for the University of London (WC1 1AS). You will support the Head Chef in a high-volume university kitchen, lead a kitchen team, and ensure top-quality food and service across 350 breakfasts and 350 dinners daily.

Working 40 hours per week over 5 days, you’ll help plan menus, manage stock, monitor costs, and uphold food safety standards while delivering a memorable student dining experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in a high-volume catering, hospitality, education, or contract catering environment.
• Passion for modern food trends, international flavours, and menu innovation.
• Strong organisational and stock management skills.
• Good computer literacy and administrative ability.
• Ability to lead from the front and perform well in a fast-paced service environment.
• Knowledge of food safety legislation and best practice.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef and Chef Manager with the day-to-day running of a busy university kitchen operation.
• Lead and motivate the kitchen team, ensuring high standards of food quality, presentation, and service are maintained at all times.
• Oversee the production and service of up to 350 breakfasts and 350 dinners daily.
• Manage a buffet-style food offer, including a popular pizza station operating from 9:00am to 7:00pm.
• Assist with menu planning and development, contributing fresh ideas for modern, international fusion cuisine and seasonal specials.
• Support the production of freshly made pastries, breads, and baked goods.
• Monitor food costs, waste, and stock levels to help achieve budget targets.
• Manage chef and office inventory, ensuring accurate stock control and ordering processes.
• Use computer systems confidently for ordering, stock management, reporting, and administration.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, health & safety, and allergen regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and efficient kitchen environment.
• Build positive relationships with students, residents, and colleagues, delivering an exceptional dining experience.

Skills

High-volume catering

Leadership

Stock management

Computer literacy

Organisation

Food safety knowledge

Tools

Stock management software

Ordering systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Gather & Gather, part of Compass Group UK&I, is recruiting a Junior Sous Chef for the University of London (WC1 1AS). You will support the Head Chef in a high-volume university kitchen, lead a kitchen team, and ensure top-quality food and service across 350 breakfasts and 350 dinners daily.

Working 40 hours per week over 5 days, you’ll help plan menus, manage stock, monitor costs, and uphold food safety standards while delivering a memorable student dining experience.