Sous Chef

Wilson Vale; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Manchester seeks an experienced Chef to manage kitchen operations. The role offers autonomy in menu creation and a focus on fresh, seasonal produce. Ideal for someone passionate about food and capable of leading a talented team. Enjoy work-life balance and numerous benefits including development opportunities and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Best working hours in catering

Fun and inspiring work environment

Free craft-focused career training

Paid bespoke training

Employee Assistance Programme

Online benefits scheme

Birthday off after 1 year

Enhanced Maternity Pay

Qualifications

• Experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Capable of training and developing a team.
• Passionate about fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily kitchen operations and dish preparation.
• Lead and develop the kitchen team effectively.
• Ensure food standards comply with brand expectations.
• Create innovative seasonal dishes.

Skills

Food Preparation

Team Leadership

Menu Development

Customer Engagement

Job description

Working closely with and reporting to the Chef Manager, you will take responsibility for the bakery, salad, and sandwich selection, producing a wide range of freshly made items daily, entirely from scratch using seasonal ingredients. Menus include plant-based options, and the kitchen team enjoys full autonomy over menu creation allowing room for creativity and innovation in every dish.

Ideal for a chef who is confident working independently, passionate about fresh food, and eager to contribute to an evolving, high-quality food offer in a supportive and collaborative environment. You'll also enjoy a freshly prepared meal while on shift, made by the in-house team.

Wilson Vale is an established, quality-led contract caterer. We work with amazing clients across the UK who place huge value on great food as a key part of their culture and community. We work in office restaurants, independent schools and at conference venues with the same high-end ethos throughout.

Our culture unites us. We stand for craft, quality, creative freedom, forward thinking and integrity. We never compromise on our commitment to fresh, seasonal produce and the fantastic people that make it all happen!

Full-time role, working 40 hours per week. Core hours are Monday to Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm, however a degree of flexibility will be required to support hospitality events, which may occasionally take place during evenings or weekends. Day-to-day the kitchen caters for around 80 people, plus hospitality.

Responsibilities

• Be responsible for the daily operation of the kitchen and the preparation and cooking of all types of dishes.
• Be responsible, dedicated and a strong leader with the ability to manage a brigade of talented chefs.
• Be able to train and develop your team supportively and professionally.
• Deliver consistent food standards following the Wilson Vale brand standards.
• Deliver fresh, seasonal and innovative food from around the world.
• Be able to interact and engage with people while the food is being served.

Benefits

• Our working hours are some of the best you'll find in catering - we are strong believers in work-life balance.
• Our working environment is fun and inspiring, with excellent career development opportunities.
• Craft Works - Free craft-focused career development training programme.
• Paid training bespoke to you.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme – your wellbeing is very important to us.
• Online employee benefits scheme – monetary savings on everyday items!
• Your birthday off every year after 1 year service.
• Enhanced Maternity Pay.

Wilson Vale is an equal opportunities employer that strives to create an inclusive working environment for all. We are committed to supporting our people and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. From each and every person in our catering teams, to our operations and central support teams – everyone at has a voice.

Apply: 01530 563 100