Sous Chef

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Northwood; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking on site

Free transport to local train stations

Employee Benefits app

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Generous holiday entitlement

Training and development opportunities

Apprenticeship schemes

Job summary

Aramark UK is hiring a Kitchen Lead to manage shifts, train staff, and deliver high-quality meals in a large-scale operation. You will ensure food safety, manage stock, and drive efficiency across the kitchen team.

This full-time role at Northwood HQ offers 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7, with extensive training, benefits, and clear career progression within a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Relevant culinary qualification and experience in high-volume catering.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent organisational skills under pressure.
• Solid knowledge of food safety, allergens, and health & safety regulations.
• Experience managing stock, ordering, and food cost control.
• Hands-on approach with passion for delivering exceptional food and service.
• Strong communication and relationship-building across teams.

Responsibilities

• Run kitchen shifts and lead the team in the Head Chef's absence.
• Produce high-quality meals for up to 1,000 servings.
• Organise and support the kitchen team for smooth daily operations.
• Allocate tasks to maximise productivity and service delivery.
• Prepare and cook in line with recipe specifications and company standards.
• Maintain knowledge of all menu items and allergen information.
• Manage food production to minimise waste and maximise efficiency.
• Place orders and maintain accurate stock and wastage records.
• Receive deliveries and store correctly following FIFO procedures.
• Monitor food safety, hygiene, and health and safety standards.
• Conduct daily and weekly deep cleaning schedules with the team.
• Support training and development of team members.
• Assist with menu planning, stock control, and continuous service improvements.

Skills

Culinary qualification

High-volume catering

Leadership

Organisational skills

Food safety

Allergen management

Health and safety

Stock control

Food cost management

Hands-on approach

Communication

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

• Compensation: up to GBP 34,251.31 - yearly

Company Description

At Aramark, we empower our people to create experiences that matter. We share a passion for hospitality, it's at the foundation of everything we do. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing, a role at Aramark can help you reach your full potential.

Job Description

Location: Northwood HQ, HA6 3HP
Hours: 40 hours per week
Contract: Full Time
Salary: £34,251.31 per annum

What's in it for you?

• Full-time position, 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7
• Free parking on site
• Free transport to local train stations
• Access to our Employee Benefits app, including:
  • Online GP access
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Hundreds of retail discounts
  • Savings on supermarket shopping, days out and weekend treats
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy additional leave
• Excellent training and development opportunities
• Apprenticeship schemes to support your career progression
• A supportive and inclusive working environment
• Fantastic career prospects with opportunities to progress throughout the business, as we love to promote from within

What you'll be doing

• Running kitchen shifts and leading the team in the absence of the Head Chef
• Producing high-quality meals within a large-scale operation, serving up to 1,000 meals at a time
• Organising and supporting the kitchen team to ensure smooth and efficient daily operations
• Allocating tasks effectively to maximise productivity and service delivery
• Preparing and cooking food in line with recipe specifications and company standards
• Maintaining full knowledge of all menu items served, including allergen information
• Managing food production levels to minimise waste and maximise efficiency
• Placing orders and maintaining accurate stock and wastage records
• Receiving deliveries and ensuring all products are stored correctly following FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures
• Monitoring food safety, hygiene, and health and safety standards across the kitchen
• Conducting daily and weekly deep cleaning schedules alongside the team
• Supporting the training and development of team members and ensuring all relevant training requirements are completed
• Assisting with menu planning, stock control, and continuous service improvements

Qualifications

What we're looking for

• Relevant culinary qualification
• Experience working within a high-volume catering environment
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to perform under pressure
• Sound knowledge of food safety, allergen management, and health and safety regulations
• Experience managing stock control, ordering, and food cost management
• A hands-on approach with a passion for delivering exceptional food and service
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships across the team

Additional Information

Additional Requirements

• Must have resided in the UK for the past 3 years
• Must have the legal right to work in the UK
• Must be able to successfully pass full security vetting

At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive.

As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.

We are an Armed Forces Friendly organisation and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, cadet forces adult volunteers, reservists and military families.

For roles requiring security clearance, any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion and maintenance of the required level of security clearance. Applicants must meet the relevant eligibility and residency requirements applicable to that level of clearance.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all employees and workers to share this commitment. Where relevant to the role, safer recruitment checks will apply, including referencesand an enhanced DBS checkin line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any adjustments or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team – [e-mail]

Join us in fostering a workplace where everyone can achieve their full potential.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.