Details
1111137
University of Warwick
11/05/2026
Other - See Job
Monday to Friday 07.30 to 15.30
Uniform Provided
Pay
£30,989
£32,998
Description
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.
Duties and 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 and experience
- 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
Location
Warwick
Benefits
- 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