Senior sous chef Thomas the caterer x RKD Canal House
Senior Sous Chef
Location: Based at rustic kitchen canal house with travel to event venues and catering locations
Reports to: general manager & Company Owners
Hours: 40 hours per week (including evenings, weekends and bank holidays as required)
Holiday: 28 days per year, inclusive of bank holidays
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Senior Sous Chef to join our growing catering business. Reporting directly to the company owners, you will play a key leadership role in delivering exceptional food across a diverse range of events, while helping to maintain the highest culinary standards throughout the business.
This is a hands-on role that combines kitchen preparation, event leadership and team collaboration. You will work both from our prep kitchen and on-site at weddings, corporate functions, private events, markets and street food pop-ups.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the kitchen team during event preparation and service, ensuring exceptional quality and consistency.
- Act as Event Chef Lead for weddings and large-scale events, typically catering for 50–200 guests.
- Prepare, cook and present fresh, high-quality food using premium ingredients and excellent culinary techniques.
- Support the planning, organisation and execution of multiple events simultaneously.
- Work closely with fellow chefs and front-of-house teams to ensure seamless event delivery.
- Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and kitchen cleanliness in accordance with current legislation.
- Assist with stock control, ordering, wastage management and inventory.
- Support menu development and contribute creative ideas for seasonal and event menus.
- Ensure equipment, vehicles and event kitchens are maintained and operated safely.
- Represent the company professionally when working at client venues, weddings, festivals, markets and public events.
Café Support
As part of a close-knit business, flexibility is essential. The successful candidate will have a good understanding of how a fresh food café operates and be willing to support the café team whenever required. This collaborative approach is reciprocated across the business, with all departments working together to ensure the success of the company.
Skills and Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 5 years’ professional chef experience within fresh food kitchens.
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
- Experience leading kitchen teams during busy service.
- Experience catering for weddings, events or large-volume hospitality.
- Excellent knowledge of fresh food preparation and modern cooking techniques.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- High standards of presentation and attention to detail.
- Thorough understanding of food hygiene, HACCP and food safety regulations.
- Full UK driving licence (preferred due to travel between venues).
Personal Qualities
- Calm under pressure with excellent problem-solving skills.
- Positive, proactive, honest, reliable, innovative & determined
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
- Passionate about producing exceptional food and delivering memorable customer experiences.
- A genuine team player who is willing to support all areas of the business when required.
Working Pattern
- 40 hours per week.
- Regular weekend and evening work is required, particularly during the wedding and events season.
- Hours will vary depending on business demands, with flexibility expected during peak periods.
- Based primarily at canal house Loughborough with regular travel to weddings, private functions, festivals, markets and street food events.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, based on experience.
- 28 days’ annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays.
- The opportunity to work with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- A varied and rewarding role across weddings, events, street food and café operations.
- A supportive working environment with direct access to the business owners and opportunities to influence menus, events and business growth.
Company Overview
Rustic Kitchen & Deli is an independently owned deli and cafe renowned for serving world-class coffee, delicious brunches, and offering an exceptional retail experience. We are passionate about growing our team with talented individuals dedicated to delivering outstanding food and hospitality in a vibrant new setting. in 2026 we have no incorperated Thomas the caterer to help grow and expand our catering arm of this already sucessful business
Pay: £30,160.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
