The Sous Chef supports the Head Chef in the effective management of the school's catering operation, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals for boarding and day pupils, staff and visitors.
The role combines hands-on food preparation with leadership responsibilities, helping to oversee the day-to-day running of the kitchen, supervising staff and maintaining the highest standards of food quality, hygiene and customer service.
Main Responsibilities
- Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day management of the kitchen operation.
- Supervise, motivate and support members of the kitchen team, ensuring effective teamwork and high performance.
- Allocate daily duties and monitor workflow to ensure efficient service.
- Deputise for the Head Chef during periods of absence, taking responsibility for all aspects of kitchen operations.
- Assist in the induction, training and development of catering staff and apprentices where applicable.
- Promote a positive, professional and collaborative working environment.
- Prepare, cook and present high-quality meals to a consistently high standard.
- Assist in planning and delivering varied, nutritious and balanced menus appropriate for children and young people.
- Ensure meals meet dietary, cultural, religious and medical requirements, including allergen management.
- Maintain excellent standards of food presentation and portion control.
- Support the delivery of breakfast, lunch, supper, hospitality functions, school events and special occasions.
- Contribute ideas for menu development, seasonal dishes and service improvements.
- Ensure the efficient running of all kitchen sections during service.
- Monitor food quality and consistency throughout production.
- Assist with stock control, ordering and inventory management.
- Ensure stock is stored correctly and rotated using FIFO (First In, First Out) principles.
- Monitor food costs and support initiatives to minimise waste and improve efficiency.
- Receive, check and appropriately store deliveries.
- Ensure compliance with Food Safety legislation, HACCP procedures and school policies.
- Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness and organisation throughout the kitchen.
- Ensure all food safety records and documentation are completed accurately.
- Promote safe working practices and compliance with Health and Safety and COSHH regulations.
- Report accidents, hazards and maintenance issues promptly.
The successful candidate will have experience working as a Sous Chef or in a similar role and be in possession of a professional cookery qualification, such as an NVQ 3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent).
The position is six days per week, all year round. The normal hours of work are 39 per week to include weekend work.
The current salary is £27,680 per annum. Holiday entitlement is 25 days per annum plus 8 bank Holidays.
At Rossall we provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where care for all our staff is an important part of our culture. We employ motivated people who work together to produce excellent outcomes for our staff and students. Our staff are recognised as being central to achieving our mission and vision statements, and long-term plans for the future.
In addition to providing a great place to work, we offer a generous remuneration package to colleagues which includes:
· Membership of the school contributory pension scheme
· Free meal and refreshments during term-time
· Free parking on site
· Medical centre on site during term time
· Free use of the School swimming pool, gymnasium and sports facilities
· A generous discount on the School fees of employees’ children attending the School (except the Nursery)
Closing date: Thursday 16th July 2026
Early applicants may be offered an interview before the closing date
Rossall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. An enhanced DBS clearance will be undertaken by the School. The position is regulated activity and therefore exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. An online check will also be conducted.
The School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be viewed here: https://rossall.org.uk/policies/
Pay: £27,680.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Licence/Certification:
- Professional cookery qualification at Level 3 (preferred)
Work Location: In person
