Senior Sous Chef

Job description

Senior Sous Chef – Independent School Catering

Salary: £30,989 – £32,988

Hours: Monday to Friday, 07:30 – 15:30

Location: Warwick

About the Role

We are looking for a talented and motivated Senior Sous Chef to join a busy and thriving Catering Department within an Independent School. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key leadership role in delivering high-quality, fresh food while supporting the smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of the kitchen.

You will work closely with the Head Chef and take responsibility for leading the kitchen team, ensuring exceptional food standards, and maintaining a safe, compliant, and well-organised environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for kitchen operations in the absence of the Head Chef, including decision-making, supervision, and service delivery
• Lead and supervise the kitchen brigade, ensuring high standards of preparation, cooking techniques, and presentation
• Motivate and guide the team during service to consistently deliver excellent food quality
• Oversee food safety, hygiene, and cleanliness in line with Food Safety legislation and HACCP procedures
• Manage stock control, ordering, and waste reduction to meet budget targets
• Develop recipes, specifications, and costings for all dishes
• Lead menu planning for daily dining and special functions, ensuring a balanced and nutritious offering
• Take ownership of allergen management and ensure full team compliance
• Support recruitment, training, and performance management of kitchen staff
• Act as a key liaison between kitchen, front of house, and senior management
• Organise and lead weekly team meetings
• Oversee equipment maintenance and ensure safe working practices
• Lead catering for events, functions, and special dinners

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in a professional catering environment requiring initiative and self-discipline
• Experience working within a kitchen brigade, with developing leadership skills
• Strong understanding of health & safety and food hygiene practices
• Knowledge of school nutritional guidelines
• Patisserie experience
• Excellent culinary skills with a passion for cooking fresh, high-quality produce
• Strong leadership and team management abilities

What We Offer

• Sociable hours (no late evenings)
• Competitive contributory pension scheme (employee contributions matched by employer contributions up to 14%).
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Six weeks annual holiday plus public holidays.
• Staff Fee remission at our Warwick Campus.
• Life Assurance benefits.
• Free meals and refreshments provided during the working day.
• Free parking on site.
• A virtual GP and Physio service.
• Access to a wide range of retail discounts.
• Salary sacrifice schemes.
• Use of the Sports Complex for staff.
• A strong, supportive staff community.
• Some flexible working will be con

If you are a passionate chef with strong leadership skills looking for a rewarding role with work-life balance, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now to join our dedicated catering team.

INDUNI

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Warwickshire

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

22-05-2026

Profession type

Bar Staff / Waiters and Waitresses

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English