At a Glance
- Tasks: Support kitchen operations, lead the team, and ensure food quality at events.
- Company: Join Ottolenghi, a vibrant and people-focused culinary environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, staff meals, health support, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Fast-paced kitchen with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that values your ideas and passion for food.
- Qualifications: Experience in a senior kitchen role and a culinary qualification.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
At Ottolenghi, we're known for vibrant food, busy delis, and restaurants full of energy — but what really matters is our people.
We create environments where teams feel supported, take pride in what they do, and deliver a genuinely warm experience to every guest.
Our Central Production Unit on Holloway Road is the team that keeps every Ottolenghi venue running smoothly.
Working behind the scenes, the CPU supports our restaurants and delis across the group — ensuring everything is in place so our teams can do what they do best.
It's a hands-on, people-first environment, and some roles may involve travel to our sites.
We are now looking for a talented Production and Catering Sous Chef to join our team.
What you'll do
- Support the Savoury Manager with the daily running of the kitchen
- Help ensure all kitchen operations are organised, efficient and completed to the required standards
- Lead and coordinate the kitchen team across daily production and catering events
- Monitor food preparation and presentation, ensuring consistency and quality
- Support the planning and delivery of special catering events and banquets
- Train, mentor and develop kitchen team members, helping them build their skills and confidence
- Provide constructive feedback and support the performance and development of the team
- Manage stock levels, place orders and ensure products are stored and rotated correctly
- Assist with monitoring food and labour costs and work within agreed budgets
- Carry out regular stock checks and help maintain accurate inventory levels
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and health & safety
- Ensure dishes and products are prepared consistently and according to Ottolenghi standards
- Monitor portion control and help minimise food waste
- Work closely with our shops to ensure food quality is maintained and gather feedback
- Respond to any shop concerns or issues promptly, keeping the Managers informed
- Support the wider Production & Catering team wherever needed
- What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience in a Sous Chef or senior kitchen role
- Strong knowledge of cooking methods, kitchen equipment and professional kitchen practices
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team
- Well organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy environment
- Confident working under pressure while maintaining high standards
- Strong understanding of stock management, ordering and cost control
- Good knowledge of food hygiene, health & safety and food safety standards
- Experience supporting catering events or large-scale production is desirable
- A genuine passion for food and a commitment to quality
- A positive, hands-on approach and willingness to support the wider team
- What You’ll Need
- Culinary qualification or relevant professional kitchen experience
- Good understanding of food safety and hygiene requirements
- Ability to work on your feet for extended periods and safely handle heavy items
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays where required
- Working Environment
You’ll be working in a fast-paced production kitchen, where no two days are quite the same.
The environment can be busy, hot and demanding, so we’re looking for someone who thrives under pressure, stays organised and leads by example.
What’s in it for you?
- 28 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays
- Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount
- Health and well-being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts
- Refer a Friend Bonus: £500 for each successful referral
- Learning & Development opportunities including management coaching, WSET wine training, Ottolenghi Chef’s Academy workshops, and access to external courses
- A warm, inclusive working culture where individuality, growth, and creativity are celebrated
- Enhanced Parental Pay after two years’ service
- A special birthday treat to celebrate your day
- Exclusive workshops and demos, including cooking, food, wine, and cocktail sessions in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen
- A collaborative and creative environment where your ideas are valued
If you care about great food, great people, and doing things properly, we'd love to hear from you.
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Production & Catering Sous Chef in London employer: Ottolenghi
At Ottolenghi, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values our people above all. As a Warehouse Assistant in our Central Production Unit on Holloway Road, you'll enjoy generous benefits such as 28 days of annual leave, delicious staff meals, and extensive learning opportunities, all while contributing to a dynamic team that supports our renowned delis and restaurants. Join us for a rewarding experience where your growth and creativity are celebrated in a hands-on, people-first environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production & Catering Sous Chef in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Ottolenghi. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Ottolenghi
Don't be shy about reaching out to Ottolenghi directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Production & Catering Sous Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Ottolenghi and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ottolenghi
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
