Sous Chef

Sous Chef

George Watsons College, Edinburgh, 69 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5EG

Hours:

40hrs / Monday to Friday with some weekend work / 52weeks contract
Salary: £28,000- £32,000 per annum

Job Introduction

Bring your passion for food to a role where quality, creativity, and care come together every day.

We are looking for a motivated and experienced Sous Chef to join our catering team at George Watson's College in Edinburgh
. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a busy school kitchen, supporting the delivery of fresh, nutritious, and high-quality meals for pupils, staff, visitors, and events.

You will work closely with the Head Chef and wider catering team to create a positive kitchen environment where standards are high, service runs smoothly, and every meal is prepared with pride. This role would suit someone who enjoys being hands-on, leading by example, and helping others perform at their best.

• Supporting the Head Chef with the planning, preparation, production, and presentation of meals
• Leading the kitchen team in the absence of the Head Chef
• Helping to maintain consistently high standards across the kitchen and service areas
• Ensuring food safety, hygiene, health and safety, and allergen procedures are followed at all times
• Supporting stock control, food ordering, wastage monitoring, and cost control
• Preparing food with care and attention, including meals for special dietary and allergen requirements
• Briefing colleagues before service on dish content, portion sizes, allergens, utensils, and accompaniments
• Supporting the delivery of school functions and events, including some outside normal working hours
• Assisting with goods received processes and maintaining quality and compliance standards
• Helping to implement cleaning schedules and maintain a safe, organised working environment
• Building positive working relationships with colleagues, clients, pupils, and guests
• Promoting excellent customer service and representing Sodexo in a professional, friendly way
• Completing mandatory training and supporting continuous improvement within the kitchen team

• Experience in a similar catering or hospitality role, ideally within a busy kitchen environment
• Strong food preparation, presentation, and service skills
• A good understanding of food hygiene, health and safety, and allergen management
• Experience with stock management, ordering, wastage control, and kitchen standards
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong attention to detail and pride in delivering quality food
• The ability to work well as part of a team and use your own initiative when needed
• Confidence in supporting, motivating, and guiding others in the kitchen
• Good organisational skills and the ability to stay calm during busy service periods
• A flexible approach, with willingness to support school functions and events when required
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• A positive attitude and commitment to delivering excellent service every day

At Sodexo, this is more than just a job-it's your chance to be part of something greater. We celebrate individuality, encourage purpose-driven work, and empower you to succeed on your own terms. Here's what you can expect when you join us:

• A competitive salary & excellent benefits package.

• Opportunities for career growth and development.

• A diverse, supportive, and inclusive workplace.

• Unlimited access to an online mental health and wellbeing support platform.

• An Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support.

• 24/7 access to a virtual GP service.

• Exclusive discounts for you, your family, and friends through the Sodexo Discounts Scheme.

• Membership in the Mercer Aspire Pension Plan to help you save for your future.

• Learning and development opportunities to enhance your career growth.

• A Bike to Work Scheme, supporting both your fitness and the environment.