Sous Chef

Aramark NV; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider is seeking an experienced Multi-Site Sous Chef to oversee culinary operations at the University of Derby. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of experience in a similar role, demonstrating strong leadership, organisational, and culinary skills. This position offers a salary between £25,000 - £28,000 and includes a range of employee benefits to support work-life balance.

Benefits

Employee Benefits app with discounts

Life assurance

Pension contributions

Generous holiday entitlement

Training and apprenticeship schemes

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a Sous Chef or similar leadership role.
• Experience in multi-site or high-volume catering operations preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and allergen management.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations across multiple university sites.
• Supervise, train, and motivate kitchen staff.
• Ensure food preparation meets Aramark and University of Derby standards.
• Assist with menu planning and development.
• Maintain hygiene, health, and safety standards.
• Manage food stock levels and reduce waste.
• Deliver high-quality food service during events.
• Collaborate with service teams for customer experience.

Skills

Excellent culinary skills

Organisational skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery

Job description

Aramark is seeking an experienced and passionate Multi‑Site Sous Chef to support culinary operations across multiple sites at the University of Derby. The ideal candidate will assist in leading kitchen teams, ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and customer satisfaction across campus dining, hospitality, and event services. This is a hands‑on role requiring excellent culinary, organisational, and leadership skills, with the flexibility to work across a range of university venues.

Aramark UK are making a work life balance achievable whilst still working in hospitality, cultivating your culinary career with a world leading organisation. Aramark provides world‑class contract catering services to our extensive list of clients across the UK, including Defence and Judicial, private industry and Education. We are lucky to have some of the best Culinary and Catering talent that the UK has to offer working within our teams.

What we offer:

• Full‑time position, 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7, with flexibility for early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends.
• Based across University of Derby campuses Kedleston Road, Markeaton Street, Britania Mill, Enterprise Centre, Business school IHUB, Chesterfield
• We are offering a salary of between £25,000 - £28,000 doe
• You will have access to our Employee Benefits app – which includes hundreds of discounts, including savings on your weekly supermarket shop and weekend treats.
• We also offer a company package including life assurance, pension contributions, generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy more, and many more benefits.
• You will also be joining a talented team, with fabulous career prospects and could lead to all sorts of opportunities – we LOVE to promote from within.
• As we are passionate about developing our people from within, great training is provided. We also offer apprenticeship schemes, so that your learning journey can continue.

A day in the life of a Sous Chef:

• Support the Head Head Chef in daily kitchen operations across multiple university sites.
• Supervise, train, and motivate kitchen staff, ensuring high performance and morale.
• Ensure food preparation and presentation meet Aramark and University of Derby standards.
• Assist with menu planning and development, considering student preferences, seasonal availability, and dietary requirements.
• Maintain strict hygiene, health, and safety standards in compliance with HACCP and Aramark policies.
• Manage food stock levels, ordering, and waste reduction in collaboration with procurement.
• Deliver high‑quality food service during large‑scale events, conferences, and hospitality functions.
• Cover for Head Chef during absences and provide support at other sites as needed.
• Collaborate with front‑of‑house and service teams to ensure a seamless customer experience.
• Foster a positive relationship with university staff and students, responding to feedback and promoting food innovation.

You will be set up for success if you have:

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent).
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a Sous Chef or similar leadership role.
• Experience in multi‑site or high‑volume catering operations preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and allergen management.
• Excellent communication, time management, and problem‑solving skills.
• Full UK driving license and willingness to travel between sites.

If this role appeals to you, then apply now and show us the value you will bring.

Job Reference 579331

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

If you are applying for this role and you already work for Aramark, you must notify your line manager before submitting your application.

About Aramark

At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive. As a proud Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.

We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any accommodations or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team – [e-mail]

Join us in fostering a workplace where everyone can achieve their full potential.