Sous Chef

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Pirbright; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Aramark in Pirbright, United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to lead kitchen operations, uphold culinary excellence, and mentor a brigade under the Head Chef. You will drive standards, manage costs, and maintain rigorous food safety practices to deliver outstanding cuisine.

The role requires 4+ years in kitchen roles with at least 2 in senior positions, plus a Food Safety cert. UK hospitality background and strong leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Culinary training qualification or equivalent practical kitchen experience (minimum 4 years, with at least 2 years in a senior kitchen role)
• Current Food Safety and Hygiene certification
• Leadership and staff supervision experience in a professional kitchen
• Strong organisation and time management skills
• Ability to work calmly under pressure in high‑volume or fine dining environments

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise kitchen staff during service with clear direction and mentoring
• Prepare and cook dishes to high standards following recipes and plating specifications
• Manage multiple stations and oversee service, ensuring efficiency and timing
• Conduct mise en place to keep ingredients, equipment and workstations prepared
• Deputise for Head Chef and take responsibility for operations and staff
• Ensure strict food safety, hygiene and health and safety compliance
• Analyse food costs, portion control and inventory to optimise profitability
• Contribute to menu development and culinary innovation
• Manage inventory and liaise with suppliers
• Maintain detailed records of operations, costs and staff performance

Skills

Culinary leadership

Food safety

Menu development

Cost control

Staff training

Kitchen operations

Time management

Communication

Education

Culinary training or equivalent

Tools

Kitchen systems

Job 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.Hospitality excellence is brought to life by our people every day.We embrace our responsibility to our people, our communities, and our planet. While the services we provide, and the industries we serve, are extensive, we never waver from our people-first approach.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Sous Chef to join our professional kitchen team in Pirbright, United Kingdom. In this permanent position, you will work closely with our Head Chef to lead kitchen operations, maintain exceptional culinary standards, and inspire a cohesive kitchen brigade. The successful candidate will be passionate about culinary excellence, demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, and be committed to delivering outstanding cuisine whilst upholding the highest standards of food safety, organisation, and efficiency.

• Lead and supervise kitchen staff during all service periods, providing clear direction, constructive feedback, and mentoring to develop their culinary skills and professional growth
• Prepare and cook dishes to the highest standards, ensuring consistency with established recipes, plating specifications, and quality requirements
• Manage assigned kitchen stations and oversee multiple stations during service, maintaining efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to timing
• Conduct comprehensive mise en place preparation, ensuring all ingredients, equipment, and workstations are meticulously organised and ready for service
• Deputise for the Head Chef as required, taking responsibility for kitchen operations, decision‑making, and staff management
• Monitor and maintain strict food safety, hygiene, and health and safety compliance across all kitchen areas
• Analyse food costs, portion control, and inventory management to optimise profitability without compromising quality or innovation
• Contribute creatively to menu development, seasonal specials, and culinary innovation, offering fresh ideas and contemporary techniques
• Manage kitchen inventory levels, communicate stock requirements to senior management, and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors
• Conduct quality control checks on all dishes before service, ensuring they meet organisational standards and customer expectations
• Support the kitchen team during peak service periods, maintaining composure, resilience, and efficiency under pressure
• Assist in staff scheduling, rostering, and induction of new kitchen team members
• Maintain detailed records of kitchen operations, food costs, and staff performance as required

Qualifications

• Culinary training qualification or equivalent practical kitchen experience (minimum 4 years, with at least 2 years in a senior kitchen role)
• Current Food Safety and Hygiene certification
• Proven leadership and staff supervision experience within a professional kitchen environment Proficiency in a comprehensive range of cooking techniques and food preparation methods
• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks
• Excellent people skills and ability to work collaboratively and assertively within a kitchen brigade
• Ability to remain calm, focused, and decisive during high‑pressure service periods
• In‑depth knowledge of food safety regulations, health and safety compliance, and best practices
• Meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to maintaining high culinary standards
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, demanding kitchen environment
• Experience in budget management, cost control, and food cost analysis
• Proficiency in kitchen operations, workflow management, and kitchen systems
• Previous experience in a Sous Chef or equivalent senior kitchen role
• Knowledge of multiple cuisines, cooking styles, and contemporary culinary techniques
• Demonstrated experience in staff training, development, and performance management
• Familiarity with kitchen management systems, point‑of‑sale technology, and digital ordering platforms
• Experience in menu development, costing, and culinary innovation
• Understanding of vendor and supplier relationship management
• Proven ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing kitchen requirements
• Experience in a high‑volume or fine dining kitchen environment

Additional Information

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 levers, cadet forces adult volunteers, reservists and military families.

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]

Any offer of employment for this role 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 the clearance level associated with the role.

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

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.