Sous Chef

Grow and Thrive Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning & Development

Apprenticeships

Job summary

Palmer & Howells in London’s Battersea area is seeking a dedicated chef to join our school kitchen team. The role is 40 hours per week over 38 weeks, offering a salary of £32,700 per annum with potential evening and weekend work.

You will handle preparation, create nutritious menus, maintain safety standards, and work with a collaborative team to deliver great dining experiences for pupils and staff.

Qualifications

• Previous kitchen/catering experience with a focus on fresh, nutritious ingredients.
• Strong understanding of kitchen equipment and best practices.
• Food Safety Level 2 desirable; training provided.
• Personable and outgoing with a customer-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Create delicious, high-quality meals offering optimal taste and nutrition.
• Collaborate with the team to deliver efficient service during busy times.
• Adhere to health, safety and food hygiene standards; manage allergens.
• Act as a brand ambassador for staff and customers.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Kitchen equipment knowledge

Food safety level 2

Personable & outgoing

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Battersea SW11 3DQ

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:

In this role, you can expect to be accountable for both culinary excellence and operational integrity:

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:

We are looking for a dedicated chef who is ready to immerse themselves in our mission:

• 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.

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).