Sous Chef - 2026

Sous Chef - Independent School, Cobham

Salary: £37,000 per annum

Location: Cobham

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm (40 hours per week)

Contract: 52 Weeks Per Year

Start Date: ASAP (subject to enhanced DBS clearance)

Work-Life Balance Meets Culinary Creativity

We are seeking a talented and passionate Sous Chef to join the catering team at a prestigious independent school in Cobham. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated chef looking to enjoy a genuine work-life balance while continuing to develop their culinary skills in a professional and supportive environment.

Working primarily Monday to Friday, you will help deliver high-quality, fresh food to students, staff, and guests while supporting a varied programme of hospitality events and functions throughout the year. All additional hours worked for events and functions are paid.

The Role

As Sous Chef, you will support the Head Chef in the day-to-day operation of a busy school kitchen, helping to produce nutritious, seasonal meals using fresh ingredients and modern cooking techniques.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the management and operation of the kitchen
• Preparing and delivering high-quality meals and hospitality services
• Assisting with menu planning and food innovation
• Supervising, training and motivating the kitchen team
• Maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene and health & safety compliance
• Managing food costs and assisting with stock control
• Supporting the delivery of events, functions and special occasions
• Ensuring excellent presentation and service standards at all times

About You

We are looking for a professional and enthusiastic Sous Chef who is passionate about food and enjoys working within an educational environment.

The successful candidate will:

• Have previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef ready to step up
• Ideally have experience within education, independent schools, colleges or contract catering
• Demonstrate a progressive and stable career history
• Possess excellent knowledge of food safety, HACCP and health & safety standards
• Be experienced in working within budgets and controlling food costs
• Have strong leadership skills with the ability to train and develop team members
• Be knowledgeable about current food trends and innovative menu development
• Be organised, reliable and able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Have excellent communication and teamwork skills

What's on Offer?

• Salary of £37,000 per annum
• Monday to Friday working pattern
• 40-hour contract
• All overtime paid
• Excellent work-life balance
• Opportunity to showcase creativity through functions and events
• Fresh food operation using quality seasonal ingredients
• Supportive and professional working environment
• Long-term career development opportunities
• Stable, permanent position within a prestigious independent school

If you are a passionate chef looking for an exciting opportunity with outstanding work-life balance and the chance to work with fresh, high-quality produce, we would love to hear from you.

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.