Sous Chef - Head of Pastry - National Theatre

Levy Restaurants UK; London; On-site; GBP 42,000; Full time

Job description

Sous Chef | Head of Pastry - National Theatre

£42,000 per annum plus benefits

NT Food & Drink is a unique and dynamic partnership driven by Levy and KERB, embedded within the National Theatre on the South Bank. Our ambition to create a world-class hospitality destination at the heart of the world's most iconic theatre is powered by our progressive people-first approach, centred on environmental and social sustainability. We celebrate inclusivity with purpose, putting the development and progression of our future leaders centre stage. Our shared goal is to ensure all food and drink spaces support the NT's overall values, vision, and culture.

Purpose

Reporting to the Head Chef, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the kitchen. The main purpose is to support the head chef in managing the kitchen team, overseeing food preparation, and ensuring dishes are executed to the highest standards. The sous chef plays a key role in inventory management, adhering to food safety and health and safety standards, record keeping, events execution, and training culinary & FOH team. The sous chef assists in running the kitchen efficiently and smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Assist with menu planning, preparation, and execution for events, ensuring adherence to specifications and high standards.
• Manage and oversee the culinary team during events, conducting briefings and ensuring smooth BOH & FOH collaboration.
• Prepare and execute menu items to specification, maintaining quality control and stock par levels across outlets.
• Lead the team in the absence of the Head Chef, handling senior responsibilities and daily task organization.
• Conduct staff training, including inductions, health & safety, allergen awareness, and event-specific briefings.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, HSE policies, and documentation, performing audits and completing reports.
• Manage kitchen equipment, stock levels, and logistics, liaising with the logistics team and maintaining kitchen linen.
• Support inventory management, including stock counts, transfers, and ordering to maintain operational efficiency.

Requirements

• Confident: Sound understanding of all menus, can deliver a wide range of events & operations. Able to oversee multiple areas of the business and deliver consistently exceptional food.
• Detail-focused: Highly organised individual. Follows processes and procedures to ensure smooth delivery of daily operations, including planning, to ensure all team members have the right information to deliver a seamless operation.
• Flexible: Embraces the agility required to manage multiple events simultaneously, with guest numbers of 200+. Open to adjusting working patterns within reason, as relevant to business requirements from time to time.
• Safety Led: Leads by example on all HSE practices across the department and implements best practice.
• Financial Acumen: Manages stock, wastage, staffing levels to the business needs.
• Curious: Has a passion to bring ideas to the table, as well as a desire to develop and grow their own skills, with a long-term objective to grow the project.

Join us and be a part of shaping the future of NT Food & Drink by driving a workplace culture where people thrive!

Benefits

• Healthcare & Wellbeing - Medicash health benefits (including dental, mental health & optical for you and up to 4 children), free annual health check with Aviva Digicare, discounts at Nuffield Health & Pure Gym, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Exclusive Perks & Discounts - Save on entertainment (up to 55% off cinema tickets), shopping (up to 15% off), Vodafone plans, and travel with top providers such as TUI & Expedia.
• Workplace Benefits - Meals on duty, pension scheme, life assurance, and professional subscriptions paid.
• Leave & Family Support - 23 days + bank holidays, your birthday off, extra leave after maternity return, a day off for your baby's 1st birthday, and a holiday purchase scheme.
• Career & Financial Support - Ongoing training & development, career pathways, financial wellbeing programme, and preferred rates on salary finance products.
• Exclusive National Theatre discounts (15% off outlets, 25% off Bookshop, complimentary show tickets)
• Food & drink discounts (Kerb Card: 50% off drinks, 20% off food at Seven Dials Market)
• VIP last-minute O2 show tickets (subject to availability)
• Discounted onsite parking (£4/day)

Who are Levy?

Levy, part of Compass Group, known for delivering exceptional food, drink, and hospitality experiences at world-renowned venues such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, and Tottenham Hotspur. Focused on sustainability, diversity, and inclusion, Levy prides itself on using sustainably sourced ingredients and providing outstanding service. The company is committed to achieving Net Zero by 2027, partnering with the British Paralympic Association, and ensuring all team members earn at least the Real Living Wage or London Living Wage.

Why Join Us?

At Levy UK & Ireland, we celebrate diversity and foster inclusion, valuing every individual's unique strengths. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and success. We promote fairness, ensure all voices are heard, and provide equal opportunities for all.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, equitable workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute. Together, we achieve greatness.