Sous Chef

Compass Group PLC; Old Woking; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality provider based in Old Woking is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to support kitchen operations at RHS Garden Wisley. Responsibilities include managing quality food production, team supervision, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Candidates should ideally have 2+ years in a similar role or 4+ years as a CDP. The company promotes a collaborative culture with opportunities for career progression and various employee benefits.

Benefits

20 days annual leave

Free parking on site

Free staff meals

Access to company perks and benefits

On-site F&B discounts

Qualifications

• Ideally 2 years’ experience as a Sous Chef or 4 years as a CDP in a similar environment.
• Strong culinary skills and attention to detail required.
• Understanding of food safety management systems and allergens.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations and ensure food quality.
• Support team supervision and train staff.
• Control waste and manage stock processes.
• Ensure FSMS compliance and maintain hygiene standards.

Skills

Cooking skills

Attention to detail

Understanding of FSMS

Experience in high-volume operations

Job description

As a Sous Chef, at RHS Garden Wisley, you will support the Head Chef in leading day-to-day kitchen operations across a designated area of Wisley. You will be responsible for delivery of high-quality food, FSMS compliance, team supervision, training, stock processes, and service performance. You will also be expected to lead a designated kitchen on site at RHS Wisley. In return, you will have the chance to progress your career with company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.,

Responsibilities

• Ensure dishes consistently meet RA Venues' quality, flavour, and presentation standards.
• Support guest experience by maintaining smooth service and accurate allergen handling.
• Be visible during service and uphold Wisley's values.
• Support seasonal menu rollouts and new dish launches.
• Maintain high presentation standards on counters and plates.
• Engage with and contribute to Wisley and RA Venues food initiatives.
• Control waste, portioning, and recipe adherence.
• Support stock management, ordering, and rotation.
• Ensure efficient prep planning and labour alignment.
• Ensure FSMS documentation is completed accurately and on time.
• Ensure all members of the team are familiar with the FSMS guidance.
• Maintain audit readiness and always uphold hygiene standards.
• Ensure full allergen, traceability, and due diligence compliance.
• Lead, train, and motivate the kitchen team.
• Oversee performance and delegate effectively.
• Foster a positive, collaborative kitchen culture.

Qualifications

• Ideally 2 years’ previous experience in a similar Sous Chef position, or strong previous CDP experience in a similar environment (around 4 years or more).
• Good cooking skills and attention to detail.
• Understanding of FSMS and allergens.
• Experience in high-volume operations.

About the Company

Restaurant Associates is a leading premium hospitality provider with an ethos drawn from our history of fine and high-quality dining in London and New York. Within our venues team, we provide catering and hospitality services to some of the most iconic visitor attractions and destinations in the UK, including the Imperial War Museum London, Glyndebourne Opera House, Knebworth House, Design Museum, Whipsnade Zoo and many more. Within these amazing venues we operate a host of bespoke cafés and restaurants, as well as delivering private events ranging from small meetings to large-scale ground events of up to 1000 people. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, diverse, fun, and dynamic place to work with opportunities to collaborate with a wide range of teams plus a commitment to putting our people first. Restaurant Associates is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. As a business, we are committed to sustainability‑led practices and are proud to have achieved 3 stars with the Sustainable Restaurant Association's Food Made Good Programme.

Benefits

• A collaborative and inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued, and creativity is encouraged.
• The chance to work in a truly beautiful and inspiring setting, surrounded by nature and stunning gardens.
• 20 days annual leave (Excluding bank holidays and national holiday days)
• Free parking on site
• Free staff meals whilst at work.
• Access to Compass Group company perks & benefits.
• Perks for Works discounts and promotions
• Access to training, mentoring and development, with support from our wider Restaurant Associates and Compass Group UK networks.
• On-site F&B discounts.