Sous Chef

Sodexo Ltd; Royston; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

We’re looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Sous Chef to join our catering team at the Johnson Matthey site in Royston.

Working alongside the Head Chef and Catering Manager, you’ll lead the day-to-day kitchen operations, deliver high-quality food and service, and help develop menus for daily services, hospitality and events. The role also involves ensuring health, safety and hygiene standards are maintained and staff are supported to perform at their best.

Qualifications

• Experience as Sous Chef or equivalent (Junior Sous Chef, Senior Chef de Partie).
• Recognised chef qualification such as NVQ, City & Guilds 706/2 or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen management.
• Experience supervising and supporting a kitchen team.
• Good knowledge of stock control, ordering and reducing food waste.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Positive, team-focused approach with good communication and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present high-quality food for daily services, hospitality and special events.
• Support the Head Chef with the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen.
• Supervise, motivate and support the kitchen team, stepping up to lead when required.
• Assist with menu planning and contribute fresh, creative food ideas.
• Support ordering, stock control, stocktakes and the reduction of food waste.
• Ensure the kitchen remains clean, safe and well organised, following Health & Safety and COSHH procedures.
• Deliver excellent customer service and build positive relationships with customers, colleagues and the client.

Skills

Sous chef experience

Team leadership

Food safety knowledge

Stock control

Organisational skills

Customer service

Education

NVQ / City & Guilds 706/2

Job description

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm

Rate of Pay: £15.60 per hour

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Sous Chef to join our catering team at the Johnson Matthey site in Royston.

Working alongside the Head Chef and Catering Manager, you’ll play a key role in delivering high-quality food and excellent service to our customers and guests. This is a hands-on position where you’ll support the day-to-day running of the kitchen, help lead the team and ensure consistently high standards of food preparation, presentation, safety and hygiene.

You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute ideas to menus and special catering days, making this a great next step for an experienced chef looking to develop their career within a professional catering environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present high-quality food for daily services, hospitality and special events.
• Support the Head Chef with the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen.
• Supervise, motivate and support the kitchen team, stepping up to lead when required.
• Assist with menu planning and contribute fresh, creative food ideas.
• Support ordering, stock control, stocktakes and the reduction of food waste.
• Ensure the kitchen remains clean, safe and well organised, following Health & Safety and COSHH procedures.
• Deliver excellent customer service and build positive relationships with customers, colleagues and the client.

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Junior Sous Chef, Senior Chef de Partie or similar.
• A recognised chef qualification such as NVQ, City & Guilds 706/2 or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen management.
• Experience supervising and supporting a kitchen team.
• Good knowledge of stock control, ordering and reducing food waste.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• A positive, team-focused approach with good communication and customer service skills.

What We Offer

Working with Sodexo is more than a job it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer a range of resources, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families.

About Sodexo

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. We are a global leader in services that improve Quality of Life, operating in 55 countries and serving over 100 million consumers each day. We believe in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.