Sous Chef – Herts,

Holroyd Howe; England; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking a Sous Chef to join their team at Heathmount School. The ideal candidate will collaborate with the culinary team, ensure top-quality food preparation, and supervise kitchen staff. This role requires a strong passion for food, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure. Candidates with culinary certifications and experience in catering are preferred. A supportive and inclusive work environment awaits.

Benefits

28 Days holiday including bank holidays

3 volunteering days

Free meals on shift

Training and development opportunities

Pension and life insurance

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role, preferably in contract catering.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and best practices.
• Experience in high-volume kitchen environments.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Chef in food preparation and service.
• Ensure dishes meet quality and presentation standards.
• Supervise and train kitchen staff.

Skills

Food safety standards knowledge

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team player

Ability to work under pressure

Flexibility to work evenings and weekends

Passion for food and service

Education

Culinary degree or relevant certifications

Job description

Title: Sous Chef

Location: Heathmount School

Salary: up to £33k per annum

40 hours per week – Monday to Friday

Benefits:

• 28 Days holiday including bank holidays
• 3 volunteering days
• 3 days grandparent leave
• Free meals on shift
• Bespoke training and development opportunities
• Apprenticeships opportunities for all experience levels
• Pension and life insurance
• Discounts available on our “perk Box” app; high street shops, holidays & cinema
• Wellbeing hub
• Access to employee assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme

Company Description

At Holroyd Howe we offer an exceptional culinary playground where your creativity can flourish and your talents shine. We wholeheartedly believe that the best food comes from nurturing talent, and empowering our chefs to continuously evolve and refine their craft – that’s why we invest in you to develop your professional growth.

As a member of our team, you will be supported in an inclusive environment that encourages growth and celebrates diversity. We will invest in your development with ongoing training, to ensure that you have the skills and knowledge to thrive in your role, and we guarantee a good work‑life balance, because we believe that people excel when they are given the space to take care of themselves.

Job Description

As a Sous Chef you will collaborate with our culinary team to craft flavourful dishes that nourish both body and mind. In addition to having excellent presentation, organisational and communication skills, you will demonstrate a real passion for food & service and possess bags of enthusiasm.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in all aspects of food preparation, production, and service.
• Ensure the quality and presentation of all dishes meet the company’s standards and client expectations.
• Supervise and train kitchen staff, kitchen assistants, ensuring adherence to food safety and sanitation procedures.
• Assist in menu planning and development, taking into consideration dietary restrictions, nutritional guidelines, and seasonal ingredients.
• Oversee stock control and ordering to maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing waste.
• Collaborate with the catering team to execute special events, themed dinners, and other culinary initiatives.
• Maintain a clean and organised kitchen environment, always following health and safety regulations.
• Support the Head Chef in administrative tasks such as scheduling, budgeting, and maintaining records of food costs and inventory.
• Stay updated on industry trends, culinary techniques, and new ingredients to continuously enhance the menu offerings and overall dining experience.
• Foster a positive working environment by demonstrating leadership qualities, effective communication, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a similar role within a contract catering company or educational institution preferred.
• Culinary degree or relevant certifications from a recognised culinary institute.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and best practices.
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently under pressure in a high‑volume kitchen environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Fun and enthusiastic.
• Have excellent organisational skills.
• Be a team player and enjoy succeeding as a team.
• Have a flexible approach to work.

Additional Information

Heath Mount School is a Church of England co‑educational independent prep school near Watton‑at‑Stone, Hertfordshire, England. It admits pupils aged 3 to 13. We cater for 600 meals a day across 2 sites with a small breakfast and supper service.

We are looking for that candidate that genuinely cares about what goes into the food we create. At Heathmount we take nutrition seriously. We help to develop the pupils’ understanding and the impact a healthy diet has on the fundamental years of development and learning.