Sous Chef

Sous Chef

Location: George Watsons College, Edinburgh, 69 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5EG
Working Hours: 40hrs / Monday to Friday with some weekend work / 52weeks
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.

What you'll do

• 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

What We’re Looking For

• 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

What We Offer

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

Additional Perks & Benefits

• 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.

Ready to Be Part of Something Greater?

If you're looking for an opportunity where you can bring your passion, skills, and ambition to a company that truly values you, then this is it. Apply today and take the next step in your Sodexo journey.

Friendly customers. Vibrant communities. Exciting careers.

Please note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.

Sodexo and our Clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (UK) and / or Disclosure Scotland (Scotland)

File Downloads

• HR-5933_Benefits UK Brochure V9.pdf
• Sous Chef -GWC.docx