How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Sous Chef
Sous Chef – Step into a role that truly makes a difference
Location: Northwood HQ, HA6 3HP Salary: £33,253.67 Contract type: Permanent, full-time (40 hours/week, mainly Mon – Fri with occasional weekends) Shifts: Between 0600-2030
Aramark UK is on the lookout for a talented Sous Chef to join our dynamic team at Northwood HQ—a site featuring three busy kitchens and a vibrant culinary landscape. Every day brings variety, and if you’re a culinary professional seeking a role that balances excitement and work-life harmony, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Why This Role Is Special
At Northwood, you’ll help lead a high-performing kitchen where fast-paced operations, teamwork, and creativity thrive. You’ll step in when the Head Chef is unavailable, preparing up to 300 meals at a time while ensuring seamless service delivery. Driven by organisation, composure under pressure, and an unwavering passion for exceptional food, you’ll play a core role every day.
Security Requirements
Due to the nature of our operations, all candidates must:
- Have lived in the UK for 3 years or more
- Hold the legal right to work in the UK
- Successfully pass full security vetting and an enhanced DBS check
What We Offer
Ranked among the best in hospitality, our schedule offers younger evenings despite the early rise. With 40 hours per week, only one weekend per month required, you’ll find a work-life balance that rewards dedication.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
-
Benefits package:
- Free on-site parking & complimentary transport to nearby train stations
- Access to our benefits app, providing online GP, EAP services, as well as supermarket and retail discounts
- Life assurance and pension contributions
- Generous holiday allowance (with the option to buy additional leave)
-
Career growth & training:
- Mastery of hands-on culinary skills through high-value training programs
- Implementation of apprenticeship schemes for continuous learning
- Promotion from within and a clear pathway for professionals to advance
A Day in the Life
As our Sous Chef, your responsibilities will include:
- Shift leadership: Manage kitchen operations independently when the Head Chef is absent, ensuring production of up to 1,000 meals during peak demands
- Team oversight: Inspire, organise, and uplift the kitchen staff, guaranteeing an efficient and seamless service experience
- Accuracy & precision: Prepare dishes precisely to spec, accounting for menu and allergen requirements
- Supply chain & waste management: Monitor production levels, place orders, and maintain accurate stock records
- Logistics: Receive and store deliveries adhering to FIFO standards
- Hygiene & compliance: Enforce rigorous cleaning protocols and promote deep-clean standards daily
- Staff empowerment: Ensure team members are properly trained, confident, and supported to excel in their roles
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Requirements
To thrive in this role, you should possess:
- A relevant culinary qualification, preferably aligned with professional cooking standards
- Sous Chef experience or strong credentials as a senior chef (Senior CDP), ready to take the next step
- Strong organisational skills, paired with the ability to remain resilient and work effectively under pressure
- Security clearance eligibility, including long-term residency in the UK and a legal right to work in the UK
About Aramark UK
At Aramark UK, we are fully committed to fostering a workplace that is diverse, inclusive, and empowering for all. Reflecting our values, we proudly operate as a Disability Confident and Forces Friendly employer, welcoming applications from individuals of all abilities.
Our recruitment processes are fully accessible, ensuring reasonable adjustments for candidates at every stage—from initial application to successful employment. If you require any specific accommodations—or have queries—please don’t hesitate to contact our recruitment team: careers@aramark.co.uk.
As part of our support network, we guarantee a confidential and fair application process for all employees.
Existing Aramark employees: If applying for this role, mandatory notification to your line manager is required prior to submitting your formal application.
Job reference: 661629
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills