At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Sous Chef, preparing delicious meals for students and staff daily.
- Company: Thomas Franks is a fresh food catering business focused on excellence and individuality.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts, enhanced leave, and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team in a vibrant school environment with a strong focus on service.
- Qualifications: Experience in food preparation preferred; must have a passion for cooking and customer service.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with a 7-day operation; free on-site parking available.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £37,500
Hours: 40 per week
An independent, co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11-18 in Pangbourne, West Berkshire, catering for 650 students and teachers. We offer a core feeding of breakfast, break time snacks, lunch, supper, sixth form café and a strong hospitality offering. This is a 7-day operation so working pattern would be 5 out of 7. Additional benefit of this location is free on-site parking.
We currently have an excellent opportunity for a creative and effective Sous Chef to join the team at one of our fabulous locations in Pangbourne, West Berkshire.
Key responsibilities:- Prepare all food service areas for the day's business relating to that meal service.
- Ensure that the prompt service of all meals and service at all times to the company/clients standards.
- To ensure that the methods of preparation and presentation comply with company expectations.
- Prepare, set-up, serve, clear, clean and store away any food, beverage or equipment required for daily service.
- Prepare all food for sale/service, following good hygiene and safety practices and to the standard specified.
- Restock and replenish stocks and consumables as required during service periods, pre-empt customer needs and achieve optimum customer service delivery.
- Keep the Front of house informed of any food running out and pre-empt any delays in customer waiting.
- Complete all/any necessary cleaning/hygiene duties.
- Serve customers, visitors and guests in line with company and client service standards and expectations.
- Empty, remove and store rubbish/recycle rubbish in the correct place.
- To assist in the preparation and placing of orders.
- Ensure that the kitchen operates in line with current health & safety regulations.
- To ensure all areas in the kitchen are left in a clean state at the end of each shift.
- To attend meetings and training courses as required.
- Notify the head chef of stock movements to ensure all products are ordered for forthcoming menus.
- Ensure attendance to all staff meetings as required.
- Ensure that all policies and procedural requirements of both legislation and company are adhered to in order to promote a professional and flexible approach at all times.
- Ensure that the correct uniform is worn neatly and cleanly at all times.
- To ensure personal presentation is of the highest standard at all times.
- Ensure all necessary checks are carried out in the service and associated areas for food temperatures.
- Carry out all reasonable requests of the management.
- As required provide cover for other staff during periods of absence.
- Be conscientious with regard to Health & Safety and report any hazards to the Head Chef or Location manager.
- Team working abilities, listening skills, the ability to work on own initiative, impeccable personal presentation, hygiene and behaviour to others, Food hygiene certificate preferred.
- The ability to be adaptable and be flexible as necessary.
- Reliable, honest and able to demonstrate an open attentive approach to customer service.
- Willingness to learn new skills and take some responsibility.
- Ability to manage some moderately heavy lifting, carrying, and pushing.
- Ability to demonstrate reasonable/good understanding and use of verbal English.
- Ability to demonstrate reasonable/good standard of written English and reading skills.
- Similar experience of customer and/or food preparation environment is preferred.
- Wider wallet scheme (discounts at major retailers, restaurants, gyms etc).
- Free meals on duty.
- Volunteers leave - up to one day per year.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoptive leave.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Recommend a friend bonus.
- Unrivalled individual training and development.
- Well established apprenticeship programme.
- Team & company social events.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Workplace pension.
- Excellent career progression within a leading independent contract caterer.
About us: Thomas Franks is a founder led, fresh food catering business with a focus on excellence and service delivered with individuality, passion and style. We are unique in every approach and our clients, and our people are paramount to our daily success.
Disclaimer: All applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have the Right to Work in the UK to be considered for this role. An enhanced DBS, Identity & reference checks (covering the last five years) will form part of the selection process. As an organisation using the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Disclosure service to assess applicants' suitability for positions of trust, Thomas Franks Ltd complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes to treat all applicants for positions fairly. We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and undertake not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure based on conviction or other information revealed. However, for any post in a school please be aware that any application is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such any criminal conviction, caution or bind-over must be declared.
Diversity and Inclusion at Thomas Franks: We actively encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and continue to develop a culture of growth and inclusion and would like to invite applications from groups who are currently under-represented, because we believe greater diversity leads to exceptional results and provides a better working life.
Sous Chef employer: Thomas Franks Ltd. Careers
Contact Detail:
Thomas Franks Ltd. Careers 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 menu offerings of the school. Understanding their approach to food service will help you demonstrate your alignment with their values during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Thomas Franks. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability and teamwork skills in conversations with the hiring team. Given the dynamic environment of a school kitchen, emphasising your ability to work well under pressure and collaborate with others will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with food hygiene and safety regulations. Being able to articulate your knowledge in this area will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
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 in food preparation and customer service. Emphasise any previous roles as a Sous Chef or in similar environments, showcasing your ability to work in a team and manage kitchen operations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for cooking and your understanding of the role. Mention specific skills that align with the job description, such as food hygiene practices and customer service excellence.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, include examples of how you've demonstrated key personal skills like teamwork, adaptability, and attention to detail. Use specific instances from your past experiences to illustrate these qualities.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the culinary field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thomas Franks Ltd. Careers
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in food preparation and service. Bring examples of dishes you've created or worked on, and be ready to explain your cooking techniques and how you ensure quality and presentation.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Communication
As a Sous Chef, you'll need to work closely with the kitchen team and front of house staff. Highlight your ability to collaborate effectively, listen to others, and communicate clearly under pressure.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Safety Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to the catering industry. Be ready to discuss how you maintain hygiene standards in the kitchen and your approach to food safety practices.
✨Express Your Passion for Food and Service
Let your enthusiasm for cooking and customer service shine through. Share what inspires you in the kitchen and how you strive to create memorable dining experiences for guests.