Sous Chef

Sodexo; Buckler's Park; On-site; GBP 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in the UK seeks a passionate Chef to lead kitchen operations in a school setting. You will manage a diverse team and ensure outstanding food quality for up to 3000 meals daily. Ideal candidates will have professional cookery qualifications and experience in contract catering. This role includes competitive pay, benefits, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Unlimited access to mental health support

Discounts and cashback schemes

Career progression and training opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in food service management.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Proven ability to ensure food safety and hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food and beverage operations for the school.
• Manage a team of 30 and coordinate meal service for 3000 daily.
• Ensure kitchen adherence to food safety regulations.

Skills

Professional Cookery Level 3 or Level 4 or equivalent

Food Safety Certificate

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Time management and organisational skills

Contract catering experience

Ability to manage a diverse team

Education

City and Guilds 706/1 706/2 or equivalent

Job description

Chef - Lead with Passion, Cook with Purpose!

Salary: £33,000 per annum plus Sodexo Benefits
Hours: 40 hours per week
Working Pattern: 5 out of 7 days (Flexible Shifts)

Great access to Crowthorne train station, free onsite parking, uniform provided, meals on duty

Are you ready to take the lead in a kitchen where food fuels not just bodies but bright futures? As a Sous Chef for Sodexo, you'll be at the heart of the school, overseeing food and beverage operations, managing budgets, and ensuring every meal is top-tier. Your leadership will inspire your team daily, creating a dynamic and productive work environment.You'll be supporting the Executive Chef in all aspects of day to day management of the kitchen to deliver outstanding, healthy, and nutritious food to all stakeholders in a safe and responsible manner.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

What You’ll Do:

Oversee the replenishment of food and ensure work areas are cleaned and maintained to a high standard

Develop, mentor, and train kitchen staff to foster an inspiring team culture

Catering up to 3000 meals daily within the main dining areas over breakfast, lunch and supper services

Provision of breakfast and supper services within three of the boarding houses

Management of a team of 30 within the kitchen working 5 out of 7 across all services including weekends

Manage and optimise all aspects of the catering operation, including labour, food, and stock costs

Maintain consistency in food quality and service standards for staff, visitors, and students

Assist the Executive Head Chef and other Sous Chefs with the smooth running of the kitchen

Take responsibility for the provision of food to the required standards for each service and hospitality as required, keeping records as appropriate, and liaising with other departments as necessary to ensure customer satisfaction.

Lead the team for the set up, presentation and execution of all catering functions

Ensure that temperatures of fridges, freezers and all hot cupboards/services are monitored and recorded in line with Company Regulations and Food Safety Act

To assist, as required, at special functions, some of which may occur outside normal working hours, for which you will be offered TIL or maybe paid overtime if required.

Support the Exec Chef with operating costs and controls to ensure Client and Sodexo are achieving optimal financial health

What You Bring:

• Professional Cookery Level 3 or Level 4 or equivalent City and Guilds 706/1 706/2 or equivalent
• Food Safety Certificate
• Strong level of literacy and numeracy and Computer literate
• Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Self motivated with the ability to analyse problems, develop opportunities and implement innovative solutions
• Strong ability to increase individual effectiveness through leadership, motivation, communication, coaching and training
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Able to demonstrate positive attitude to self-development; willingness to learn in role and identify own training needs as appropriate
• Strong ability to build professional partnerships and communicate at all levels, particularly at senior levels
• Ability to set high standards, achievable through striving for continuous improvement
• Flexible approach to role, working hours and to promote a positive mental outlook to all aspects of work
  
  
• Advanced level Food Safety Certificate
• Contract catering experience
• Experience of managing a large diverse team
• Hold a personal driving license

What We Offer:

A dynamic and supportive work environment

Competitive salary and benefits

Full training and protective uniform provided

No unsociable hours and public holidays off—including Christmas!

Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support

Discounts, cashback schemes, and financial benefits

Career progression, learning opportunities, and apprenticeships

Cycle to Work Scheme and volunteering opportunities

At Sodexo, we believe everyone deserves a place to belong. This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. If you’re ready to lead with passion and cook with purpose, we want to hear from you!

Apply today and help us create a brighter future!

Note: Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding children. All roles require pre-employment screening, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and past employer checks.

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.