Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team, create seasonal menus, and ensure high culinary standards.
- Company: Holroyd Howe is a top UK contract caterer focused on independent schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, free meals, and discounts on high street shops.
- Why this job: Perfect for food lovers seeking work-life balance and a chance to innovate in cooking.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef, knowledge of food safety, and strong teamwork skills required.
- Other info: Term-time only role with opportunities for training and career development.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Job Title: Sous Chef
Location: Barbican, St Giles Terrace, Wood St, London EC2Y 8BB
Contract Type: 36 working weeks, term‑time only (Permanent).
Salary: £36,000 per annum
Why Join us?
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
About the role
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Sous Chef to lead the culinary team at The City of London School for Girls. You will be responsible for creating exceptional menus, managing kitchen operations, and delivering outstanding food experiences to our pupils, staff, and visitors.
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.
Key Responsibilities
Lead kitchen operations ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, and presentation
Create innovative and seasonal menus tailored to the school’s requirements
Manage kitchen staff recruitment, training, and development
Control budgets, stock, and supplier relationships efficientlyEnsure compliance with all food safety, health & safety, and safeguarding policies
Collaborate with the wider catering and school teams to deliver outstanding customer experiences
Candidate Profile
Strong leadership and team management skills
Passionate about fresh, quality ingredients and innovative menus
Excellent organisational, communication, and financial management skills
Knowledge of current food trends, sustainability, and allergen control
Additional Information
People first
We’re a company of individuals, united in doing our best for our clients.
Great food, always
Using only the best ingredients, our food is fresh, authentic and tailored to each school, age group, and specific needs and preferences.
Food education
We educate pupils through food, encouraging them to understand and develop their own personal tastes and make informed food choices.
Respect in everything we do
Our respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other.
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.
Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment. All roles within Holroyd Howe involve regulated activity. It is a criminal offence for individuals barred from working with children to apply for such roles. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Barred List check will be required for all successful applicants. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide information about relevant criminal offences and will be subject to an online search of publicly available information. This search helps identify any issues that may affect suitability to work with children.
This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Sous Chef employer: Holroyd Howe
Contact Detail:
Holroyd Howe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific culinary style and dietary needs of children, as this role focuses on providing nutritious meals for students. Research Holroyd Howe's approach to food innovation and sustainability to demonstrate your alignment with their values during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading a kitchen team and how you've successfully managed high-pressure situations. Highlight any previous roles where you’ve mentored junior chefs or improved kitchen operations, as these skills are crucial for the Sous Chef position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations, as compliance is a key responsibility in this role. Be ready to provide examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous positions, which will reassure them of your capability to uphold their strict protocols.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the hospitality industry, especially those who have experience in educational catering. Engaging with current or former employees of Holroyd Howe can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals, increasing your chances of landing an interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Sous Chef. Focus on your culinary skills, leadership abilities, and any specific achievements in previous roles that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and your understanding of high-quality dining experiences. Mention how your values align with the company's commitment to sustainability and nutrition.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your knowledge of food safety, health & safety practices, and your ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Use specific examples to demonstrate these skills.
Showcase Your Team Leadership: Since the role involves leading a kitchen team, include examples of how you've successfully mentored or led teams in the past. This will show your capability to inspire and maintain high standards in the kitchen.
How to prepare for a job interview at Holroyd Howe
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for cooking and food innovation. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or unique culinary experiences you've had, as this will demonstrate your passion and creativity in the kitchen.
✨Highlight Team Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a kitchen team. Be prepared to discuss your experience in mentoring and managing staff. Provide examples of how you've successfully led a team, resolved conflicts, or improved kitchen operations.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Food Safety
Understanding food safety and hygiene is crucial in this role. Be ready to talk about your knowledge of health and safety regulations, as well as any relevant certifications you hold. This shows that you take these responsibilities seriously.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment. Think about past challenges you've faced in the kitchen and how you overcame them, as this will illustrate your ability to handle pressure effectively.
