At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals for students while keeping the kitchen running smoothly.
- Company: Olive Dining, a school catering company dedicated to fresh, nutritious meals.
- Benefits: Family-friendly hours, weekends off, free meals, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team culture with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a school community while enjoying work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in the kitchen and a food safety certificate preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Who We Are
At Olive Dining, we believe great food brings people together — and there’s no better place to do that than in schools, where young minds are growing every day. We’re a dedicated school catering company serving fresh, nutritious meals to students across London, Kent, Surrey, and Essex. Now, we’re on the lookout for a Chef to help us create delicious dishes and keep our kitchen running smoothly — with plenty of smiles along the way in the kitchen. If you’re passionate about food, love working in a team, and thrive in a fast-paced environment with purpose, this could be the perfect role for you.
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
- Family-Friendly Hours: Term time only, so you can enjoy school holidays too!
- Weekends Off: Yes, really.
- Supportive Team Culture: You’re never just a number here.
- Free Meals on Duty: Because Chefs should never work hungry.
- Wellbeing First: Access to an Employee Assistance Programme including free CBT, health, and financial support.
- Room to Grow: We believe in promoting from within and helping our people thrive.
Your Day-to-Day
As our Sous Chef, you’ll work closely with the Head Chef/ Chef Manager to prepare, cook, and serve meals that students and staff will love. You’ll be part chef, part team player, and part mealtime hero — stepping in wherever you’re needed to keep service running like clockwork. You’ll be working alongside the Chef Manager crafting delicious, balanced, and nutritious meals for the students and staff. From pizzas to pasta, healthy salads to hearty stews, your creations will fuel the next generation. You’ll be working alongside your Chef Manager, Catering Assistants, and school Staff to ensure every meal is prepped, cooked, displayed and served in line with Olive Dining Standards and with a smile (and a dash of flair).
Supporting the Chef Manager in managing the kitchen during busy service times to ensure service runs smoothly. You’ll ensure all dishes meet our high standards for taste, presentation, and nutrition—because the future leaders of tomorrow deserve the best! The school day may be full of energy (and a few crumbs), but you’ll keep the kitchen running smoothly, making sure we never run out of stock! Helping to set up, serve, and clear down after meals ensuring our customers have the best experience. Maintaining a clean, tidy, and safe kitchen environment. Leading and motivating the kitchen team, making sure everyone knows their tasks and works together. And the completion of any other reasonable requests given by your Line Manager.
What You’ll Need
- Experience in the kitchen is a must – whether it’s in schools, restaurants, or catering, we want someone who’s ready to jump in and get cooking.
- A food safety certificate or equivalent – we want to keep everything safe, healthy, and tasty.
- A good understanding of food hygiene and safety (Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate is a bonus).
- Flexibility: You’re great at thinking on your feet and adapting when the menu or schedule needs a quick change.
- Strong communication skills and a positive attitude. Kids, staff, and school life can be unpredictable, so a big smile and a laugh will go a long way!
This Role Is Perfect If You
- Want to make a real impact in a school community
- Enjoy variety and hands-on working
- Like the idea of work-life balance that includes school holidays
- Are ready to bring your ideas, creativity, and energy to the table
Ready to Join the Olive Team?
If you’re ready to take the next step in your catering career and want to work somewhere that values people, flavour, and fun, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and bring your passion to the plate!
Sous Chef - Haggerston in Essex employer: Olive Dining Limited
At Olive Dining, we pride ourselves on being a family-friendly employer that values work-life balance, offering term-time hours and weekends off. Our supportive team culture ensures that every member is recognised and appreciated, with opportunities for personal growth and development within the company. Enjoy free meals on duty and access to wellbeing resources, all while making a meaningful impact by serving nutritious meals to students in a vibrant school environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - Haggerston in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering world, especially those who might know someone at Olive Dining. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish or two to share during your interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for food and creativity in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk teamwork! Olive Dining values a supportive team culture, so come prepared with examples of how you've worked well with others in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Olive team!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef - Haggerston in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your experiences in the kitchen and what drives you to create delicious meals. We want to see that spark of creativity and enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the Sous Chef role at Olive Dining. Highlight any relevant experience in schools or catering, and mention how you can contribute to our mission of serving nutritious meals to students.
Keep It Professional Yet Friendly:While we love a casual vibe, remember to keep your application professional. Use a friendly tone, but make sure to proofread for any typos or errors. We appreciate attention to detail, especially in the kitchen!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join the Olive team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Olive Dining Limited
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of dishes Olive Dining serves. Be ready to discuss your favourite recipes and how you can contribute to creating delicious, nutritious meals for students. Show your passion for food and how it can bring people together!
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully worked in a kitchen environment before. Highlight your ability to motivate others and keep the atmosphere positive, especially during busy service times.
✨Safety First!
Brush up on your food safety knowledge and be prepared to discuss your experience with food hygiene practices. Mention any relevant certifications you have, like the Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate, to show you're serious about maintaining a safe kitchen.
✨Flexibility is Key
Be ready to talk about how you handle unexpected changes in the kitchen. Share specific examples where you've adapted quickly to new menus or schedules, demonstrating your ability to think on your feet and keep things running smoothly.
