Job Description

JOB TITLE: Sous Chef

PRIMARY LOCATION: Cranbrook School

DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE TO: Head Chef

MAIN PURPOSE: To support the Head Chef/Senior Sous Chef in running the catering department at the school, deputising in their absence. Inspiring and leading the chefs during shifts ensuring quality and organisation are maintained at all times.

Job Summary

Sous Chef for a co-educational grammar school in the heart of the glorious Wealden countryside. It is one of only a small number of state boarding schools in the UK.

This position will be a senior position within the team responsible for providing all the catering for approximately 1000 students, 250 of which are boarders. In addition, catering is required for all support staff, teachers and for the local primary school.

The catering is a 7-day operation catering for 3 services per day. The kitchen is also required to provide food for any special events, boarding house dinners and any other functions held at the school.

Responsibilities / Duties

Overseeing the preparation of all the food for the canteen and any other areas required

Deputising and taking on the lead role in the Head Chef's absence

Ensuring kitchen staff are complying with all school policies

Following all government guidance regarding food in schools

Reviewing the menus seasonally and keeping accurate inventory at all times

Being aware of the budget set by the Bursar and making savings where possible

Maintaining a very high standard of food quality in all areas

Ensuring accurate portion control is implemented for all menus

Ensuring all ordering is accurate and being properly rotated

Supporting the Head Chef in training all staff with new recipes and menus and ensuring the quality is maintained

Always ensuring a positive and creative atmosphere within the kitchen

Following all legislation pertaining to food safety and allergen awareness

Monitoring the HACCP system and ensuring all documentation is completed at the correct times

Ensuring compliance to all COSHH processes and signage

Managing a positive and open relationship with the Head Chef and ensuring that his directions are carried out by the kitchen team

Reporting directly to the Head Chef

The role will involve additional hours each term to cover school events and functions as directed by the Chef Manager. These hours will be claimed on a timesheet and will be remunerated at time and a third.

You will be required to work an additional 2 weeks during the summer holidays (at your normal contracted hours) to cover residential lettings as directed by the Chef Manger. These hours will be claimed on a timesheet and will be remunerated at time and a third.

The role will involve working some weekends on a 3-4 week cycle to cover any issues that may arise such as covering staff shortages these will be factored in within the chefs rota

Qualifications / skills

Candidate must/ will require an Enhanced DBS.

At least 5 years as a Sous / Senior Sous Chef in a quality kitchen

Preferably experience within 2 AA rosette kitchen or above

Have either NVQ Level 1&2 or City & Guilds 7061/2

Minimum Food Safety Level 3

First Aid at Work (not essential)

Conditions of Service

Salary point 25 (31,919) 31,264 pro rata. 45 hours week, term time only plus inset days and speech day. Contractual sick pay is dependent upon years of service. After five years' service entitlement to six months' full pay and six months' half pay. An entitlement to join the Kent County Council Local Government Pension Scheme. Other conditions of Service will be detailed in the contract of employment.

Cranbrook School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff appointed will be required to pass an DBS check before commencing employment.

Cranbrook School welcomes applications from people with disabilities.

(A copy of our recruitment policy is available on request)

THE APPLICATION AND APPOINTMENT ARRANGEMENTS

We look forward to receiving your application completed as fully as possible and returned to Karen Radford. Please also send a letter stating reasons why you would particularly be interested and suitable for this post, in support of your application

For person specification and full details and application form please vist our website www.cranbrookschool.co.uk

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From 31,264.00 per year

Benefits:

Canteen Company pension Discounted or free food Free flu jabs Gym membership On-site parking Sick pay
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 25/07/2025
Expected start date: 28/08/2025