Sous Chef - Prestigious Independent School
Hammersmith, West London
£41,000 - £43,000 per annum
Permanent | Full-Time | Monday-Friday
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Sous Chef to join the in-house catering team at a prestigious independent secondary school in West London.
This is a senior, hands-on position working closely with the Executive Head Chef and supporting the day-to-day running of a high-quality school kitchen. The catering operation provides fresh lunches for approximately 825 pupils and 250+ staff, alongside private lunches, canapé receptions, dinners and other school functions.
This would suit an experienced Sous Chef, Chef Manager or Head Chef who enjoys producing high-quality fresh food but is looking for a role offering a much better work-life balance than traditional hospitality.
The Role
As Sous Chef, you will act as second-in-command to the Executive Head Chef and help oversee a kitchen team consisting of chefs and kitchen porters.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting and deputising for the Executive Head Chef
- Leading the kitchen team during daily food production and service
- Supervising food preparation, cooking and presentation
- Maintaining consistently high standards of fresh food and presentation
- Assisting with menu planning and development
- Managing stock levels, ordering, rotation and waste
- Supporting food-cost and budget control
- Training, mentoring and supporting junior members of the kitchen team
- Ensuring full compliance with HACCP, COSHH, food hygiene and allergen procedures
- Liaising with the front-of-house team to ensure smooth service
- Supporting catering for private lunches, canapé receptions, dinners and school events
About You
We are looking for an experienced chef with strong kitchen leadership experience who is comfortable remaining hands-on.
You should ideally have:
- Significant experience as a Sous Chef, Head Chef or Chef Manager
- Previous experience supervising or managing a kitchen team
- A recognised professional chef/cookery qualification
- Food Safety/Hygiene qualification - ideally Level 3
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, allergens and kitchen compliance
- Experience with ordering, stock control and food-cost management
- Experience producing fresh food to a consistently high standard
- Confidence deputising for a Head or Executive Chef
- Good communication and organisational skills
Previous experience within an independent school, education catering or another high-quality institutional catering environment would be a strong advantage, particularly where you have also catered for functions and events.
Working Hours
Term time - approximately 36 weeks:
Monday-Friday, 7:00am-4:00pm
School holidays - approximately 16 weeks:
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-2:30pm
There is a 30-minute unpaid lunch break.
There are occasional evening or weekend school events. Time off in lieu is available for some larger/weekend events.
Benefits
- £41,000-£43,000 salary, depending on experience
- Permanent, 52-week contract
- Monday-Friday working
- Significantly reduced hours during school holidays
- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
- Free lunch, tea and coffee
- Contributory pension
- Excellent work-life balance compared with traditional hotel and restaurant kitchens
- Opportunity to join a highly regarded independent school catering operation
Annual leave must generally be taken during school holiday periods
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Sous Chef - Prestigious Independent School employer: Harris Lee
Harris Lee Recruitment offers a rewarding opportunity for SEN Support Specialists in Uxbridge, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with complex needs. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, providing ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your skills. Join us in a role that not only values your contributions but also prioritises your well-being and professional advancement in a nurturing environment.
