Sous Chef

Sodexo; England; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meals on shift

Uniform provided

Free onsite car parking

Career progression

Job summary

Wellington College in Berkshire is hosting a Sous Chef role within Sodexo’s large catering operation. The role leads a talented kitchen team and supports the Executive Head Chef daily, ensuring top-quality food and service across meals and events.

Responsibilities include supervising ~30 kitchen staff, maintaining HACCP standards, and delivering nutritious meals to students, staff and visitors in a fast-paced, high-standard environment.

Qualifications

• City & Guilds 706/1 or 706/2, or equivalent professional cookery qualification.
• Food Safety Certificate.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP and allergen management.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Head Chef and wider kitchen leadership team with the smooth running of the kitchen.
• Lead, motivate, coach and develop kitchen colleagues to achieve high standards.
• Ensure all food is prepared, cooked and presented to the required standards for every service.
• Oversee food production across breakfast, lunch, supper and hospitality services.
• Conduct effective pre-service briefings and ensure the team is fully prepared for each service.
• Ensure stock is correctly labelled, rotated and stored in line with food safety procedures.
• Monitor temperatures and HACCP records as part of daily routines.

Skills

Leadership

People-management

Food safety

HACCP

Communication

Organisational skills

Time-management

Problem solving

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 or 706/2

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

Sous Chef – Lead with Passion, Cook with Purpose!

Location: Wellington College, Duke's Ride, Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45 7PU
Salary: £36000 - £38000 Competitive annual salary plus Sodexo benefits
Hours: 40 hours per week
Working Pattern: 5 out of 7 days, including weekends

Great access to Crowthorne train station | Free onsite parking | Uniform provided | Meals on duty

Are you a passionate and experienced Sous Chef looking for an opportunity to lead a talented kitchen team within a prestigious independent school?

At Sodexo, we're looking for an inspirational and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Head Chef in the day-to-day management of the kitchen at Wellington College.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a large, fast-paced catering operation where quality, innovation, food safety and exceptional service are at the heart of everything we do.

You’ll play a key role in delivering outstanding, healthy and nutritious food to students, staff, visitors and guests, while helping to create an exceptional dining experience across the College.

About The Role:

As Sous Chef, you’ll be a key member of the kitchen leadership team, supporting the Executive Head Chef and working alongside other Sous Chefs to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the operation.

Wellington College caters for up to 3,000 meals each day across breakfast, lunch and supper services, with additional provision across three boarding houses.

You’ll help lead a team of approximately 30 kitchen colleagues, ensuring preparation, production and service are delivered to consistently high standards.

This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll have the opportunity to develop your team, drive innovation and make a real difference to the food and service we provide every day.

What You’ll Do:

• Support the Executive Head Chef and wider kitchen leadership team with the smooth running of the kitchen.
• Lead, motivate, coach and develop kitchen colleagues to achieve high standards.
• Ensure all food is prepared, cooked and presented to the required standards for every service.
• Oversee food production across breakfast, lunch, supper and hospitality services.
• Conduct effective pre-service briefings and ensure the team is fully prepared for each service.
• Ensure food replenishment is maintained so that service periods run smoothly without interruption.
• Champion allergen management, ensuring customers’ dietary requirements and allergies are managed safely and effectively.
• Monitor cooking, chilling and food storage procedures and ensure all required HACCP records are completed.
• Monitor and record temperatures of fridges, freezers, hot cupboards and service areas in line with company procedures and food safety requirements.
• Monitor the quality of food leaving the kitchen and take appropriate action where required.
• Ensure high standards of kitchen hygiene, cleaning and food safety are maintained.
• Implement and regularly review cleaning schedules to ensure agreed standards are achieved.
• Manage food ordering and work with agreed suppliers to ensure appropriate stock levels.
• Ensure stock is correctly labelled, rotated and stored in line with food safety and Health & Safety procedures.
• Monitor and manage food waste, ensuring waste is recorded accurately.
• Support the Executive Head Chef with food, labour and operating cost controls.
• Assist with maintenance issues and ensure kitchen equipment and facilities remain safe and fully operational.
• Lead the team in the set‑up, presentation and delivery of catering functions and hospitality events.
• Work closely with the Front of House team and other departments to ensure an excellent customer experience.
• Respond appropriately to complaints, compliments and customer feedback.
• Report accidents, incidents, fire, theft, loss or damage in accordance with company procedures.
• Attend relevant meetings, training and development sessions.
• Proactively identify potential issues and implement solutions before they impact service.
• Look for new and innovative ways of working and contribute to continuous improvement across the operation.

What You Bring:

We’re looking for an experienced culinary professional who is confident leading a busy kitchen operation and passionate about delivering high-quality food and service.

Essential:

• City & Guilds 706/1 or City & Guilds 706/2, or equivalent professional cookery qualification.
• Food Safety Certificate.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP and allergen management.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Computer literate and confident using relevant systems.
• Ability to analyse problems and develop practical, innovative solutions.
• Ability to coach, motivate and develop team members.
• High level of self‑motivation and the ability to work on your own initiative.
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships at all levels.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Flexible approach to the role and working hours.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards and continuous improvement

Desirable:

• Advanced Food Safety Certificate.
• Contract catering experience.
• Experience managing a large and diverse kitchen team.
• Experience successfully implementing change.
• Personal driving licence.

What We Offer:

At Sodexo, we believe everyone deserves a place to belong. You’ll join a supportive team where your skills and experience are valued, with opportunities to develop your career.

As well as a competitive salary and Sodexo benefits, you’ll receive:

• Meals provided on shift.
• Uniform provided.
• Free onsite car parking.
• Excellent access to Crowthorne train station.
• Career progression and development opportunities.
• Learning opportunities and apprenticeships.
• 24/7 mental health and wellbeing support.
• Employee Assistance Programme providing legal, financial and personal support.
• 24/7 virtual GP access.
• Exclusive discounts and cashback through the Sodexo Discounts Scheme.
• Mercer Aspire Pension Plan.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Volunteering opportunities within local communities.

Ready to Be Part of Something Greater?

If you're an experienced Sous Chef who is passionate about food, people and delivering exceptional service, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Sodexo at Wellington College and help us deliver outstanding food and memorable dining experiences every day.

Friendly customers. Vibrant communities. Exciting careers.

Please note: Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding children. All roles require pre-employment screening, including DBS and past employer checks.

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