Sous Chef

The role

Are you an experienced Chef with a passion for producing exceptional food? St Edward’s Oxford is seeking a talented Junior Sous Chef to join our in-house catering team, supporting the Head Chef and Senior Chefs in delivering an outstanding and diverse dining experience.

Our Catering Department produces approximately 2000 meals each day, covering breakfast, lunch and dinner, while also delivering a varied programme of events including charity balls, boarding house dinners, fine dining events, weddings, and catering for sports and summer schools.

As Junior Sous Chef, you will play a key operational role within the kitchen, helping to ensure the smooth and efficient running of daily service. Working closely with the Head Chef and Senior Chefs, you will take responsibility for your section, ensuring dishes are prepared and presented to the highest standards and delivered on time. You will mentor and guide Junior Chefs, encourage a positive and inclusive kitchen culture and contribute to building a strong team ethos across the brigade and support staff.

Alongside this, you will take responsibility for maintaining high standards of kitchen organisation, including stock control, food waste reduction, ingredient quality, and compliance with all health and safety and food hygiene regulations. This role also offers the chance to contribute creatively, assisting with menu development, refining dishes and introducing new ideas that incorporate seasonal produce and customer feedback.

About you

We are looking for an experienced Chef with a Level 2 or 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery and a Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification. You will have a proven background in large volume catering, along with experience of supervising or managing a team in a similar environment. Experience in fine dining and formal events is essential, along with a strong understanding of kitchen operations, the brigade system and food safety practices including storage, labelling and allergen awareness.

The deadline for applications is Thursday 16th April 2026.

We reserve the right to conduct interviews and appoint for the role before the advertised closing date should a suitable candidate be found. Therefore, early applications are encouraged.

• In return the school offer an attractive benefits package including:
• A friendly and inclusive working environment
• 30 days annual holiday entitlement

Free meals Free Nuffield Health Gym membership (including membership for your partner and children under the age of 21)

• Free on-site car parking
• Cycle to work scheme

Employee assistance programme Defined contribution pension scheme with Scottish Widows. The standard employee contribution rate is 5% with the employer contributing 8%. From 1st September 2022, enhanced contributions by the employee will be matched by the employer, up to the cap of 12% St Edward’s does not accept applications from recruitment agencies.

St Edward’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we aim to create and maintain a safe environment for our pupils, where they feel respected and supported. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to become familiar with our policies and procedures for child protection and security. All staff are required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

St Edward’s School is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on age, race, sex, religion, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic. Please see our Equal Opportunities & Dignity at Work policy on our website for further details.

Registered Charity No: 309681