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