Sous Chef

Company Description

We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Sous Chef (Retail) to support the retail Head Chef and lead our retail kitchen team in the Head Chef absents.

Delivering food across a busy staff restaurant and multiple retail offers. The operation includes a deli sandwich, salad bar, traditional counters, Grab & Go, live cooking stations and support for the coffee bar. The site currently serves around 600 covers a day across breakfast, lunch and dinner, with regular pop-ups and events.

Role involved client facing and Searcys will require you to be an ambassador for this brand and deliver services that creates lasting memories. You will receive the following industry-leading benefits:

• 50% discount across Searcys venues
• Enrolment into the Searcys pension scheme
• Up to 38 days annual leave (dependent on job role)
• Enhanced Family Leave
• Access to everyday discounts and communication portal
• Employee assistance program and qualified Mental Health First Aiders
• Monthly Chef wellbeing and supplier trips
• Opportunity to enrol into the WSH Group Chef Academy 
• Opportunity to enrol into the Searcys Wine and Champagne Academy 
• Opportunity to enrol into the Searcys Coffee Academy 
• Opportunity to enrol into the Searcys  Management Development Programme 
• Uniform provided
• Meals allowance provided on shift when working within one of our venues
• Your birthday off to celebrate in style
• A day off to volunteer/give back to the charity of your choice
• A wide selection of Searcys - ibelong Events

Job Description

This role would suit someone with strong experience in contract catering or a similar setting, who is confident running a busy kitchen and leading a team. From daily service through to pop-ups and new concepts, you’ll bring consistency, creativity and strong standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain high food quality, presentation and service standards across all retail areas.
• Oversee daily retail kitchen operations, working closely with departmental teams.
• Control food costs, budgets and waste, using systems such as Leanpath to drive efficiency.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, HACCP, H&S and COSHH standards.
• Manage stock, inventory, equipment records, supplier orders and product quality.
• Support menu planning, seasonal development, client tastings and special events.
• Lead, coach and develop the kitchen team through training, feedback and performance reviews.
• Manage staffing levels, rotas and agency cover to meet operational needs.
• Ensure all menus, specifications and kitchen setups are ready for service.
• Monitor standards, report issues to the Retail Head Chef and support wider business objectives.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties requested by Senior Management.

Qualifications

• Strong background in high-volume retail or contract catering
• Good organization and time management
• Hands-on and proactive approach
• Supportive team player with a positive attitude Strong attention to detail and record keeping
• Flexible and able to adapt to changing service demands and to be willing to work the hours and the needs of the business
• Able to stay calm and focused during busy service

Additional Information

We are the oldest caterer in the UK, founded in 1847. Working with us means being part of London’s most prestigious events and some of the country's most iconic venues. You’ll gain valuable experience and mentoring from skilled colleagues and have a chance to write your own chapter in our celebrated history.  

A career at Searcys means being part of something special. With our rich heritage, and ever-growing business, we will be delighted if you join us – a company with a strong sense of pride and belonging.

To find out more on the rich history of Searcys, please visit our website at www.searcys.co.uk