Sous Chef

Role Introduction

To assist the Head Chef and Senior Sous in managing the food production in Bekynton and the team of chefs, kitchen porters and kitchen assistants. Core feeding for pupils and staff and event catering.

We’re keen to help our employees progress their careers. For those who would like to increase their level of responsibility, there is scope to develop and move to a Chef role or equivalent position. There are also a variety of other roles within the College which you could move into, depending on your skills and experience.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

• To be a very visual and approachable culinary figurehead for Bekynton at Eton College; to assist in menu planning.
• To be responsible for the timely and efficient preparation of all core feeding services whilst on shift within Bekynton and associated catering areas and venues within the College.
• To ensure this food production meets both Sodexo’s standards of Fresh Food from Scratch and the client expectation of delivering the very best food and service within the independent school sector
• To be a real foodie and inspire others around you to get excited about food and culinary creativity – this may be the chef team, the front of house team or pupil.
• To champion Food Safety and Health and Safety across all aspects of the business,
• To ensure all documentation is completed and collated and have a zero tolerance towards accidents
• To ensure that food allergen procedures and processes are followed to the letter when on shift
• To ensure that all Food Safety and Health and Safety daily due diligence paperwork is completed to the standard required
• To be an Eton ambassador; understanding the ethos and vision of the College in order to be able to support the student environment and to optimise their performance, whether that be in the classroom, sports field or any co-curricular activity.
• To be financially aware and astute – and work with the Head Chef to ensure commercial value in purchasing, giving value for money within budget parameters and to optimise cost saving and revenue generating opportunities to achieve budgets; to manage food wastage costs
• To Inspire, train and develop the kitchen brigade; to address shortfalls in performance in a timely and professional manner
• To support the business at Dorney Lake when needed and build working relationships with the team there
• Support and Develop the hospitality business working closely with the senior hospitality team; undertaking the lead chef role for functions when required
• Support the Head Chef with environmental projects and play an active role towards the objective of reducing our carbon footprint
• To represent Eton and/or Sodexo at external events
• To undertake any reasonable request from the Head or Group Exec Chef, member of the management team or Catering Director
• Commitment and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2021 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including by not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.

The Ideal Candidate

• 2 years previous experience required at a similar level or; ideally in an environment of volume catering
• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent; Food Safety Level 3; Health and Safety min Level 2; Food Allergen certificated training
• An accomplished chef with a broad kitchen skillset
• Possession of a broad range of people management skills
• Flexible and able to work under pressure
• Organised and methodical approach to work
• A genuine interest in and passion for great food
• Pride taken in work and food produced
• Loyalty
• Ability to own their own performance
• Positive approach to learning in the role
• Self-motivated
• Able to use own initiative
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with customers, clients and staff

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, free eyecare vouchers, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly. 

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and, where applicable, a Barred List, Prohibition and EEA checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.