Sous Chef

Compass Group PLC; Uppingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid overtime

Pension scheme

Career development programmes

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Discounts on groceries

Cinema discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness classes

Discounts for family and friends

5/7 working days

Job summary

Compass Group UK is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join the Hub Kitchen team at Uppingham School. You will work closely with the Head Chef to deliver fresh, nutritious meals for pupils, staff and visitors across the School.

As a hands-on leader, you’ll supervise a busy kitchen, develop junior staff, and help plan menus and seasonal dishes while maintaining high standards and ensuring safety and allergen compliance.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2/3 or City & Guilds inProfessional Cookery or equivalent.
• Food Safety Level 3 qualification or willingness to obtain.
• Previous experience as Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie or equivalent.
• Experience in high-volume or busy catering operations.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, allergen management and kitchen best practice.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef with day-to-day running of the Hub Kitchen.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality breakfast, lunch and supper services.
• Lead the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence and coach junior team members.
• Support menu planning, recipe development and seasonal dishes.
• Assist with ordering, stock control and inventory management.
• Ensure food safety compliance and maintain kitchen organisation.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

Time management

Communication

Education

Culinary qualifications (NVQ 2/3, City & Guilds)

Food Safety Level 3

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Sous Chef to join the Hub Kitchen team at Uppingham School. Working closely with the Head Chef, you will play a key role in delivering fresh, nutritious and high-quality food for pupils, staff and visitors across the School. You'll be a hands-on chef who enjoys working in a busy environment, takes pride in high standards and is confident supporting and developing a kitchen team. This is an excellent opportunity for a Sous Chef or experienced Senior Chef de Partie looking to develop their leadership skills within a large and varied catering operation.

Culinary & Kitchen Leadership

• Support the Head Chef with the day-to-day running of the Hub Kitchen.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality breakfast, lunch and supper services.
• Ensure food is consistently prepared, cooked and presented to a high standard.
• Support menu planning, recipe development and seasonal dishes.
• Prepare a wide range of fresh food, including vegetarian, vegan, allergen-aware and special dietary options.
• Contribute to theme days, formal dinners, school functions and special events.
• Supervise and support chefs, kitchen assistants and other catering colleagues.
• Lead the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Coach and support junior team members, helping to maintain a positive and professional kitchen culture.

Kitchen Operations

• Assist with ordering, stock control and inventory management.
• Check deliveries and ensure food is stored safely and correctly.
• Support food cost control and minimise waste through effective preparation and planning.
• Ensure equipment is used correctly and report any maintenance issues promptly.
• Help ensure the Hub Kitchen operates efficiently across all services.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and kitchen organisation.
• Follow HACCP procedures, food safety legislation and School and Compass policies.
• Ensure allergen and dietary requirements are managed safely and consistently.
• Complete required food safety and compliance records.
• Support the School's commitment to health, safety, safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.

Requirements

• Professional Cookery qualification such as NVQ Level 2/3, City & Guilds or equivalent.
• Food Safety Level 3 qualification, or willingness to obtain.
• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Senior Chef de Partie or equivalent.
• Experience working within a high-volume or busy catering operation.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, allergen management and kitchen best practice.
• Excellent culinary skills and attention to detail.
• Confident supporting and leading a kitchen team.
• Strong organisation and time-management skills.
• Positive, flexible and professional approach.
• Passion for delivering great food and service.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Desirable

• Experience within an independent school, education, healthcare or contract catering environment.
• Experience of large-scale food production.
• Knowledge of sustainable food sourcing and waste reduction.
• First Aid qualification.

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Paid overtime (£2-3k)
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
• Working 5 out of 7 days, This is a full-time role working 5 out of 7 days, with shifts determined by operational requirements.

The role may include early mornings, evenings, weekends and occasional school events.

Safeguarding Uppingham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo enhanced DBS clearance and all relevant pre-employment checks.

Why Join Us?

The Hub Kitchen is an important part of the catering operation at Uppingham School, providing food for the wider School community. As Sous Chef, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside an experienced Head Chef, develop your leadership skills and play a key role in delivering a high-quality food offer at one of the UK's leading independent schools. If you're a passionate chef who enjoys working as part of a strong team, takes pride in your food and is ready to take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you.