SOUS CHEF | No Late Nights Richmond Contract: Full Time, Permanent Salary: £17,80 Hours: 40h per week This role is based within a small group of two schools supporting the world’s leading centre for classical ballet training. Located in Richmond, the site caters for approximately 215 covers daily at the main house, delivering breakfast and supper service seven days a week. The role also includes involvement in large-scale hospitality functions and occasional support for holiday lets. Due to the unique location of the site, having access to your own transport would be highly beneficial. We are currently seeking a talented Sous Chef We have an excellent opportunity for a creative and motivated Sous Chef to join our team at one of our prestigious locations in Richmond. This is a hands-on role within a professional kitchen, supporting the delivery of high-quality food service across all meal periods, ensuring consistent standards and smooth daily operations. This is a hands-on role within a professional kitchen, supporting the delivery of high-quality food service across all meal periods, ensuring consistent standards and smooth daily operations. What makes this role attractive: Set in beautiful park surroundings Free transport provided from Richmond station to the school Discounts available for selected London theatres and the Royal Opera House Opportunity to be involved in school events and functions Consistent cooking for under 200 covers in a well-structured environment Overtime available Key Responsibilities: Prepare all food service areas in readiness for daily meal service Ensure timely and high-quality service of all meals in line with company and client standards Prepare, set up, serve, clear, clean and store all food, beverage and equipment required for service Produce all food from scratch following company hygiene, safety, and presentation standards Restock and replenish food and consumables during service to maintain smooth operations Communicate with Front of House regarding stock levels, delays, and service updates Complete all cleaning and hygiene duties to maintain excellent kitchen standards Support the preparation and placement of orders as required Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations at all times Maintain a clean and organised kitchen at the end of each shift Attend meetings and training sessions as required Support stock control and inform Head Chef of stock movements and requirements Provide support and cover for colleagues when required General Responsibilities: Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and legal requirements at all times Maintain high standards of personal presentation, hygiene, and uniform Complete all necessary temperature and food safety checks Report hazards or concerns promptly to the Head Chef or Location Manager Be flexible and willing to support wider team needs as required Assist with reasonable requests from management Key Skills & Attributes: Strong team player with excellent communication skills Ability to work independently and use initiative Reliable, honest, and customer-focused attitude Passion for food, service, and continuous learning Flexible approach to working in a busy kitchen environment Ability to safely manage moderate lifting, carrying, and manual handling tasks Food Hygiene Certificate preferred Knowledge & Competencies: Good spoken English Good reading and written English skills Previous experience in a food preparation or busy kitchen environment is desirable Benefits: Access to the Wider Wallet discount scheme, offering savings at major retailers, restaurants, gyms and more Free meals on duty Volunteer leave – up to one paid day per year to support a charity or cause of your choice Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave Cycle to Work scheme Refer a Friend bonus scheme Outstanding training and development opportunities tailored to your career progression Well-established apprenticeship programme Regular team and company social events Access to an Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing support Company workplace pension scheme Excellent and genuine career progression opportunities within a leading independent contract caterer About us Thomas Franks is a founder led, fresh food catering business with a focus on excellence and service delivered with individuality, passion and style. We are unique in every approach and our clients, and our people are paramount to our daily success. Disclaimer All applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have the Right to Work in the UK to be considered for this role. An enhanced DBS, Identity & reference checks (covering the last five years) will form part of the selection process. As an organisation using the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Disclosure service to assess applicants' suitability for positions of trust, Thomas Franks Ltd complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes to treat all applicants for positions fairly. We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and undertake not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure based on conviction or other information revealed. However, for any post in a school please be aware that any application is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such any criminal conviction, caution or bind-over must be declared. Diversity and Inclusion at Thomas Franks We actively encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and continue to develop a culture of growth and inclusion and would like to invite applications from groups who are currently under-represented, because we believe greater diversity leads to exceptional results and provides a better working life.