Sous Chef

Palmer & Howells; Greater London; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Palmer & Howells in Battersea is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to craft delicious, nutritious meals and lead quality output in a busy school kitchen. The role is 40 hours, 38 weeks, with occasional evenings and weekends.

You will work with the kitchen team to ensure food safety, portion control, and allergen management while maintaining a creative, high-standard dining experience. Training and progression opportunities are available.

Qualifications

• Previous kitchen/catering experience focusing on fresh, nutritious ingredients.
• Strong understanding of kitchen equipment and best practice in professional food environments.
• Food Safety Level 2 certificate is highly desirable; comprehensive training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Culinary creation: craft delicious, high-quality meals with optimal taste and nutrition.
• Operational collaboration: work with the team to deliver an efficient, well-organised service during busy times.
• Compliance champion: adhere to H&S and Food Hygiene standards and manage allergens meticulously.
• Brand ambassador: be a positive role model for staff and customers.

Skills

Kitchen/catering experience

Equipment knowledge

Food safety awareness

Personable approach

Education

Food Safety Level 2 certificate

Job description

Sous Chef

About Us

At Palmer & Howells, we recognise that food is more than what you eat—it is energy, education, and community. We value our staff deeply, recognising the unique skills each person brings. Our chefs are dedicated to creative, highly nutritious dishes designed to offer optimal energy. We thrive on collaboration, meticulous communication, and a keen desire to explore the potential of high-quality, fresh ingredients.

This is a dynamic, hands-on role. You will be fully involved in everything from preparation work outside of busy service times to creative innovation. While working in a school kitchen offers fantastic hours, be prepared for a varied workload that requires an adaptable outlook alongside your core tasks.

The Role

• Culinary Creation: Create delicious, high-quality meals that offer optimal taste and superior nutritional benefit.
• Operational Collaboration: Work seamlessly with the wider team to deliver an efficient, well-organised service and manage busy service times effectively.
• Compliance Champion: Adhere to all critical compliance standards, including H&S (Health & Safety) and Food Hygiene, giving meticulous attention to allergens at all times.
• Brand Ambassador: Act as a positive ‘brand ambassador’ and ‘role model’ for other staff members and our customers.

The role is 40 hours, 38 weeks, £32,700 per annum, and may require occasional evening and weekend work.

What You’ll Need

• Previous kitchen/catering experience with a strong focus on creative offerings and the preparation of fresh, nutritious ingredients.
• A strong understanding of kitchen equipment and best practice within professional food environments.
• A Food Safety Level 2 certificate is highly desirable, though comprehensive training will be provided.
• A personable and outgoing approach, eager to deliver fantastic dining experiences and put a smile on everyone’s face.

Why Join Us

• Work for a fast-growing, ambitious company with no ceiling in terms of where you can take your career. We actively look to promote talent from within.
• You will have access to a dedicated Learning & Development team to support you in developing your skills, including apprenticeships and training courses that are available for everyone.
• Join a supportive team committed to collaboration and the pursuit of culinary excellence.

Safeguarding Commitment: Palmer & Howells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

• Salary £32700 - £32700
• Annual
• Job Reference JGT/TP/76/9576
• Contract Type Permanent
• Closing Date 25 October, 2026
• Job Category Unit Level
• Business Unit Palmer & Howells Ltd
• Location Battersea SW11 3DQ , United Kingdom
• 25 September, 2026