We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic Junior Sous Chef to join the kitchen team at Cheltenham College. You'll support food preparation, help maintain high standards, and play a vital role in the delivery of daily meals and special events.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and detail‑oriented Junior Sous Chef to join our dynamic culinary team in Cheltenham, United Kingdom. As Junior Sous Chef, you will support the Head Chef and senior kitchen staff whilst developing your culinary expertise, maintaining food quality standards, and contributing to a collaborative kitchen environment. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious culinary professional who is eager to learn, thrives in fast‑paced settings, and is committed to delivering outstanding dining experiences.
Fresh thinking – New ideas for food, service and ways of working help us maintain our position as creative leaders in school catering.
In order to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK.
Responsibilities
* Prepare and cook dishes according to recipes and standards established by the Head Chef, ensuring strict adherence to food safety and sanitation protocols at all times.
* Oversee the production of dishes assigned to your station under supervision, maintaining an organised, clean, and well‑stocked designated area in compliance with kitchen policies and procedures.
* Maintain quality control standards for all dishes, consistently evaluating presentation, taste, and consistency whilst seeking feedback from senior staff to improve your skills.
* Communicate positively and effectively with all team members, supporting junior kitchen staff and learning from more experienced colleagues to facilitate your professional development.
* Assist the Head Chef in developing, testing, and refining recipes, offering suggestions and contributing to menu improvements under guidance.
* Support kitchen inventory management, monitor food costs, and assist in implementing efficient resource utilisation strategies to optimise operational efficiency.
* Maintain cleanliness, organisation, and proper functioning of kitchen equipment and facilities, conducting routine maintenance checks and reporting issues promptly to senior staff.
* Demonstrate resilience and composure whilst managing multiple priorities in a high‑pressure kitchen environment, seeking guidance when required.
* Support the Head Chef in making decisions regarding food preparation, plating, and service to ensure consistent quality and timely delivery. Our respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other.
Qualifications
* Proven experience working in a professional kitchen environment, ideally in a commis chef, chef de partie, or similar mid‑level culinary role.
* Solid knowledge of various cooking techniques, cuisines, and culinary methods with a commitment to continuous learning.
* Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation practices, and HACCP principles with current food hygiene certification (Level 2 or equivalent).
* Demonstrated ability to thrive in fast‑paced, high‑pressure kitchen environments whilst maintaining focus and quality standards.
* Excellent attention to detail with strong organisational and time management skills.
* Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities with a collaborative, team‑oriented approach.
* Emerging leadership potential with the ability to support and guide junior kitchen staff under supervision.
* Competence in inventory management, cost awareness, and kitchen budgeting principles.
* Strong problem‑solving capabilities and sound decision‑making skills.
* Willingness to assist with menu planning, recipe development, and contribute ideas for culinary improvements.
* Knowledge of kitchen equipment operation, maintenance, and safety protocols.
* Ability to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the role.
* Commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism, integrity, and customer focus.
You will be joining Holroyd Howe, one of the UK's leading contract caterers, providing fresh innovative food services solely to independent schools and colleges. We are a team of experienced professionals who tailor our catering service provision specifically to suit children of all ages in order to meet the bespoke requirements of each school.
Our mission is simple: To provide our teams with the right skills to succeed in their jobs, we invest in their training and development. Our exceptional teams of seasoned specialists customise our catering services to fit children of all ages and satisfy the unique needs of our clients.
Benefits
* 3 volunteering days to give back to causes you care about.
* 3 days grandparent leave for those special family moments.
* 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave.
* Bespoke training & development opportunities.
* Pension & life insurance.
* Discounts on high street brands, cinema & holidays via the Perkbox App.
* Wellbeing hub & access to employee assistance programme.
* Free meals while at work.
* Career development & HIT Apprenticeships for all experience levels.
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