🍽️ Join Holroyd Howe as a Sous Chef in London – A Rewarding Culinary Career with Work-Life Balance
📍 Location: Barbican, St Giles Terrace, Wood St, London, EC2Y 8BB
💼 Role: Sous Chef
📅 Schedule: Term-Time Only (39 working weeks)
💷 Salary: Up to £35,000 per annum
🏢 Company: Holroyd Howe
🌍 Country: United Kingdom
Are you a passionate, skilled, and creative chef seeking an opportunity that values your culinary expertise while offering exceptional work-life balance? If the idea of working in a prestigious independent school in Central London excites you, then this Sous Chef role at Holroyd Howe might just be your perfect next step.
This is not just a job—it’s an opportunity to become part of a professional and supportive culinary team where your talent and dedication will be recognized, nurtured, and celebrated.
👨🍳 About Holroyd Howe
Holroyd Howe is one of the UK’s leading independent school caterers, renowned for crafting nutritious, seasonal, and delicious meals tailored to young people’s tastes and nutritional needs. They believe in food that fuels the future—cooked with care and served with pride.
As a company rooted in values of integrity, quality, and education, Holroyd Howe creates positive dining experiences that not only nourish but also educate students on healthy eating habits. From award-winning menus to thoughtfully crafted event catering, their approach blends culinary artistry with nutritional science.
🌟 Why This Sous Chef Role Stands Out
This is more than just a typical kitchen job. Here’s why joining Holroyd Howe as a Sous Chef is a unique and fulfilling opportunity:
- Term-Time Schedule: Enjoy 13 weeks off a year, aligning with school holidays—ideal for chefs seeking a healthier work-life balance.
- Prestigious Environment: Work at a top-tier independent school within the City of London Schools group.
- Innovative Culinary Freedom: Contribute to creating fresh, seasonal menus and be involved in exciting hospitality events.
- Professional Growth: Access tailored training and industry-recognized apprenticeships, even if you’re already experienced.
- Supportive Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package ensures you and your loved ones are well taken care of.
🎯 Key Responsibilities
As the Sous Chef, you will work closely with the Head Chef to oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure a seamless dining experience for both students and staff.
Your day-to-day duties will include:
- Kitchen Leadership: Lead and inspire a small team of chefs and kitchen staff to deliver high standards of food preparation and presentation.
- Menu Planning: Assist in designing and delivering nutritious, high-quality, and seasonal meals that reflect the needs of students.
- Event Catering: Support on-site events and hospitality, ensuring every dish is delivered to perfection—from parents’ evenings to school galas.
- Hygiene & Safety: Maintain the highest standards of kitchen cleanliness and food safety in accordance with current legislation.
- Stock & Waste Management: Order supplies efficiently, manage inventory, and minimize food waste wherever possible.
- Compliance: Ensure all Health & Safety and Food Hygiene regulations are adhered to at all times, including allergen control and kitchen documentation.
🧾 Required Skills & Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you should bring not only culinary excellence but also the ability to lead, mentor, and thrive in a fast-paced school environment.
✔️ Essentials:
- Previous experience in a Sous Chef or similar leadership role
- Strong understanding of food safety, allergen protocols, and HACCP
- Hands-on knowledge of menu creation and fresh food preparation
- Confidence in leading a team and managing kitchen operations
- A calm, professional demeanor in high-pressure situations
- High standards for cleanliness, detail, and quality
A professional culinary qualification is desirable, and experience in education catering or high-volume environments is a plus.
🎁 Employee Benefits That Make a Difference
Holroyd Howe cares about their team and offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance your work and personal life:
- 🍽️ Free meals while at work
- 🏖️ 28 days holiday (pro-rated), including bank holidays
- 💰 Pension scheme & life insurance
- 💡 Tailored training & development including HIT apprenticeships
- ❤️ Wellbeing hub and employee assistance program
- 🎁 Discounts via the HAPI app – high street shopping, cinema, holidays, and more
- 👵 3 days of grandparent leave
- 👶 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave
- 🌟 Recognition schemes and employee awards
- 🎉 Team social events scheduled throughout the year
- 🤝 “Recommend a Friend” bonus scheme
- 📱 Access to bespoke tools and resources to support mental health and wellbeing
These benefits aren’t just a list—they’re a reflection of Holroyd Howe’s genuine investment in your wellbeing, career, and future.
👪 Work-Life Balance at Its Best
One of the most unique perks of this Sous Chef role is the term-time-only schedule. With 13 weeks off annually, you’ll have time to recharge, focus on family, or pursue personal passions—something rarely offered in traditional chef roles.
If you’ve spent years in the hospitality industry sacrificing evenings, weekends, and holidays, this job offers a refreshing and balanced lifestyle while allowing you to continue doing what you love—cooking!
🔒 Commitment to Safeguarding
Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer dedicated to the safeguarding and wellbeing of children. All positions are subject to Enhanced DBS checks, including a Barred List check, and reference checks. Shortlisted applicants will also be required to provide details of any criminal convictions in line with the company’s safeguarding policies.
📬 How to Apply
Ready to cook up a career with purpose and balance? If you’re passionate about food, leadership, and education, don’t wait!
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