Senior Sous Chef – Independent School Catering
Salary: £30,989 – £32,988
Hours: Monday to Friday, 07:30 – 15:30
Location: Warwick
About the Role
We are looking for a talented and motivated Senior Sous Chef to join a busy and thriving Catering Department within an Independent School. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key leadership role in delivering high-quality, fresh food while supporting the smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of the kitchen.
You will work closely with the Head Chef and take responsibility for leading the kitchen team, ensuring exceptional food standards, and maintaining a safe, compliant, and well-organised environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Take full responsibility for kitchen operations in the absence of the Head Chef, including decision-making, supervision, and service delivery
* Lead and supervise the kitchen brigade, ensuring high standards of preparation, cooking techniques, and presentation
* Motivate and guide the team during service to consistently deliver excellent food quality
* Oversee food safety, hygiene, and cleanliness in line with Food Safety legislation and HACCP procedures
* Manage stock control, ordering, and waste reduction to meet budget targets
* Develop recipes, specifications, and costings for all dishes
* Lead menu planning for daily dining and special functions, ensuring a balanced and nutritious offering
* Take ownership of allergen management and ensure full team compliance
* Support recruitment, training, and performance management of kitchen staff
* Act as a key liaison between kitchen, front of house, and senior management
* Organise and lead weekly team meetings
* Oversee equipment maintenance and ensure safe working practices
* Lead catering for events, functions, and special dinners
Skills & Experience Required
* Proven experience in a professional catering environment requiring initiative and self-discipline
* Experience working within a kitchen brigade, with developing leadership skills
* Strong understanding of health & safety and food hygiene practices
* Knowledge of school nutritional guidelines
* Patisserie experience
* Excellent culinary skills with a passion for cooking fresh, high-quality produce
* Strong leadership and team management abilities
What We Offer
* Sociable hours (no late evenings)
* Competitive contributory pension scheme (employee contributions matched by employer contributions up to 14%).
* Employee Assistance Programme.
* Six weeks annual holiday plus public holidays.
* Staff Fee remission at our Warwick Campus.
* Life Assurance benefits.
* Free meals and refreshments provided during the working day.
* Free parking on site.
* A virtual GP and Physio service.
* Access to a wide range of retail discounts.
* Salary sacrifice schemes.
* Use of the Sports Complex for staff.
* A strong, supportive staff community.
* Some flexible working will be con
If you are a passionate chef with strong leadership skills looking for a rewarding role with work-life balance, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now to join our dedicated catering team.
INDUNI