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