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- Tasks: Join us as a Sous Chef, preparing delicious meals for students and staff daily.
- Company: Thomas Franks is a unique catering business focused on fresh food and exceptional service.
- 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 personal development.
- Qualifications: Experience in food preparation and customer service is preferred; a food hygiene certificate is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, social events, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion await you!
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Job Description
Sous Chef Oxford Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £ 36,000 per annum
Hours: 40 per week
An independent boarding and day Pre-Prep and Prep school for boys aged 4 – 13 years situated in Summertown, Oxford. Catering for over 400 students and teachers daily. We offer a core feeding of Breakfast, lunch and Supper along with some hospitality. This is a 7 day a week operation so shift patterns tend to be 5 over 7 days.
44 weeks including 5.6 weeks holiday.
Shift timings between 0600 – 2000
We currently have an excellent opportunity for a creative and effective Sous Chef to join the team at one of our fabulous locations in Oxford.
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 guest 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 area 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.
General Responsibilities:
- 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 request 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.
Key personal skills and attributes:
- 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.
Knowledge / competencies:
- 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 requirements of a Sous Chef in a school environment. Understanding the unique challenges and expectations, such as catering for children and adhering to health and safety regulations, will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your creativity in food preparation by preparing a few signature dishes that reflect your style. Being able to discuss these during your interview can demonstrate your passion and ability to contribute to the school's catering needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the catering industry, especially those who have experience in educational settings. They can provide valuable insights and may even refer you to opportunities at Thomas Franks.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your teamwork and leadership skills, as these are crucial for a Sous Chef role. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team or led a kitchen operation in the past.
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. Highlight your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment and resolved conflicts.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Safety Knowledge
Given the importance of health and safety regulations in a kitchen, be sure to discuss your understanding of food hygiene practices. Mention any relevant certifications you hold and how you implement these standards in your daily work.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Think of scenarios where you had to manage a busy service, handle customer complaints, or adapt to unexpected changes in the kitchen. Prepare concise and clear responses.
