At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations and deliver high-quality meals.
- Company: Join Holroyd Howe, a leading contract caterer for independent schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, free meals, and discounts on brands you love.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for career growth and training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' dining experiences while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie preferred.
The predicted salary is between 20 - 21 £ per hour.
Company Description
Contract Type: Term Time Only - Short Term Contract 10/8/26 - 16/12/26
Salary: £20.74 per hour
Why Join us?
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- 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 through apprenticeships for all experience levels.
About the role:
We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic Sous Chef (short term contract to 16th December) to join the kitchen team at a prestigious school in St Johns Wood. You’ll support food preparation, help maintain high standards, and play a vital role in the delivery of daily meals and special events.
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.
The safety and wellbeing of the people we serve is at the heart of everything we do. A key element is effective allergen management; achieved through training, communication, and care, we create mealtimes where every pupil has a safe experience. Our mission is simple: to provide our teams with the right skills to succeed in their job and our exceptional teams of seasoned specialists customise our catering services to fit children of all ages and satisfy the unique needs of our clients.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations
- Motivate the team to deliver high standards of food and service
- Ensure food safety and allergen controls are consistently met
- Contribute to innovative menu planning
- Manage mise en place and ensure smooth, timely service
- Support events and functions alongside school life
- Accountability for following and championing allergen controls
Qualifications
Candidate Profile:
- Ideally, you will have experience as a Sous Chef, or Senior Chef de Partie within a contract catering environment, preferably in independent education, or a high-profile business and industry setting.
- Passionate about fresh, seasonal food and creative presentation
- Strong attention to detail and high food safety standards
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills
- A flexible and proactive approach to work
Additional Information
We pride ourselves on:
- 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.
Sous Chef - Short Term Contract in London employer: WSH Group
Holroyd Howe is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of its staff and the children they serve. With generous benefits including 28 days of holiday, bespoke training opportunities, and a focus on career development, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles. Located in the prestigious area of St Johns Wood, this short-term Sous Chef position allows you to contribute to innovative food services while enjoying free meals and discounts on various brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - Short Term Contract in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, whether it's through social media or local events. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Sous Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider doing a trial shift or a cooking demo if the opportunity arises. It’s a great way to showcase your talent and fit for the team while getting a feel for the kitchen vibe.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to schools or catering companies you admire. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles like this one. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Holroyd Howe!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef - Short Term Contract in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for fresh, seasonal food shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your creativity in the kitchen and your commitment to high food safety standards.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Sous Chef role. Highlight any previous work in contract catering or with children, as this will show us you understand our unique environment.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your responsibilities and achievements in past roles, so we can easily see how you’d fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure your application reaches us quickly and efficiently, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at WSH Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of fresh, seasonal ingredients that are commonly used in school catering. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate these into innovative menu planning, as this shows your passion for food and creativity.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Highlight your teamwork and communication skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've motivated a kitchen team in the past or how you've contributed to a positive working environment. This aligns with the company's focus on people first.
✨Be Allergen Aware
Understand the importance of allergen management in a school setting. Prepare to discuss your experience with food safety and allergen controls, and how you ensure that every pupil has a safe dining experience. This is crucial for the role.
✨Bring Your Flexibility
Demonstrate your proactive approach and flexibility in the kitchen. Be prepared to talk about how you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges in previous roles. This will show that you're ready to support events and functions alongside school life.
