Sous Chef

WSH Group; East Grinstead; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Holroyd Howe is seeking a Sous Chef to support daily kitchen operations in an education contract catering environment. You will motivate the team, uphold high standards of food safety and allergen controls, and contribute to innovative menu planning alongside school events.

The role requires passion for fresh, seasonal food, excellent teamwork, and a proactive approach. DBS checks and safeguarding are integral to the role. Based in East Grinstead with on-site duties.

Qualifications

• Ideally, you will have experience as a Sous Chef in a contract catering environment, preferably in independent education or high-profile settings.
• Passionate about fresh, seasonal food and creative presentation.
• Strong attention to detail and high food safety standards.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• A flexible and proactive approach to work.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations.
• Motivate the team to deliver high standards of food and service.
• Ensure food safety and allergen controls are consistently met.
• Contribute to innovative menu planning.
• Manage mise en place and ensure smooth, timely service.
• Support events and functions alongside school life.
• Accountability for following and championing allergen controls.

Skills

Sous Chef experience

Food safety standards

Teamwork & communication

Flexible & proactive

Contract catering

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations
• Motivate the team to deliver high standards of food and service
• Ensure food safety and allergen controls are consistently met
• Contribute to innovative menu planning
• Manage mise en place and ensure smooth, timely service
• Support events and functions alongside school life
• Accountability for following and championing allergen controls

Qualifications

• Ideally, you will have experience as an Sous Chef, within a contract catering environment, preferably in independent education, or a high‑profile business and industry setting.
• Passionate about fresh, seasonal food and creative presentation
• Strong attention to detail and high food safety standards
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• A flexible and proactive approach to work

Employment Requirements

In order to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK.

This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.

Equal Opportunities & Child Safeguarding

Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment. All roles within Holroyd Howe involve regulated activity. It is a criminal offence for individuals barred from working with children to apply for such roles.

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Barred List check will be required for all successful applicants. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide information about relevant criminal offences and will be subject to an online search of publicly available information. This search helps identify any issues that may affect suitability to work with children.