Sous Chef

Job Introduction

Chef - Lead with Passion, Cook with Purpose!

Location: Wellington College, Dukes Ride, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 7PU

Salary: £33,000 per annum plus Sodexo Benefits

Hours: 40 hours per week

Working Pattern: 5 out of 7 days (Flexible Shifts)

Great access to Crowthorne train station, free onsite parking, uniform provided, meals on duty

Are you ready to take the lead in a kitchen where food fuels not just bodies but bright futures? As a Sous Chef for Sodexo, you'll be at the heart of the school, overseeing food and beverage operations, managing budgets, and ensuring every meal is top-tier. Your leadership will inspire your team daily, creating a dynamic and productive work environment. You'll be supporting the Executive Chef in all aspects of day to day management of the kitchen to deliver outstanding, healthy, and nutritious food to all stakeholders in a safe and responsible manner.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee the replenishment of food and ensure work areas are cleaned and maintained to a high standard
• Develop, mentor, and train kitchen staff to foster an inspiring team culture
• Catering up to 3000 meals daily within the main dining areas over breakfast, lunch and supper services
• Provision of breakfast and supper services within three of the boarding houses
• Management of a team of 30 within the kitchen working 5 out of 7 across all services including weekends
• Manage and optimise all aspects of the catering operation, including labour, food, and stock costs
• Maintain consistency in food quality and service standards for staff, visitors, and students
• Assist the Executive Head Chef and other Sous Chefs with the smooth running of the kitchen
• Take responsibility for the provision of food to the required standards for each service and hospitality as required, keeping records as appropriate, and liaising with other departments as necessary to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Lead the team for the set up, presentation and execution of all catering functions
• Ensure that temperatures of fridges, freezers and all hot cupboards/services are monitored and recorded in line with Company Regulations and Food Safety Act
• To assist, as required, at special functions, some of which may occur outside normal working hours, for which you will be offered TIL or maybe paid overtime if required.
• Support the Exec Chef with operating costs and controls to ensure Client and Sodexo are achieving optimal financial health
  
  

What You Bring:

• Professional Cookery Level 3 or Level 4 or equivalent City and Guilds 706/1 706/2 or equivalent
• Food Safety Certificate
• Strong level of literacy and numeracy and Computer literate
• Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Self motivated with the ability to analyse problems, develop opportunities and implement innovative solutions
• Strong ability to increase individual effectiveness through leadership, motivation, communication, coaching and training
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Able to demonstrate positive attitude to self-development; willingness to learn in role and identify own training needs as appropriate
• Strong ability to build professional partnerships and communicate at all levels, particularly at senior levels
• Ability to set high standards, achievable through striving for continuous improvement
• Flexible approach to role, working hours and to promote a positive mental outlook to all aspects of work
  
  

Desirable

• Advanced level Food Safety Certificate
• Contract catering experience
• Experience of managing a large diverse team
• Hold a personal driving license
  
  

What We Offer:

• A dynamic and supportive work environment
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Full training and protective uniform provided
• No unsociable hours and public holidays off—including Christmas!
• Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support
• Discounts, cashback schemes, and financial benefits
• Career progression, learning opportunities, and apprenticeships
• Cycle to Work Scheme and volunteering opportunities
  
  

At Sodexo, we believe everyone deserves a place to belong. This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. If you’re ready to lead with passion and cook with purpose, we want to hear from you!

Apply today and help us create a brighter future!

Note: Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding children. All roles require pre-employment screening, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and past employer checks.

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.

Attached documents

• Sous Chef Aug25.docx