Sous Chef Assistant

Purpose

Support reliable meal preparation and a clean, safe kitchen while learning from the chef.

Reporting line

Chef

Working arrangements

Rota coordinated with the chef; weekend and holiday work agreed in the contract.

England; specific location and weekly hours confirmed before appointment. Maximum eight-hour shifts include one hour of paid uninterrupted break with competent cover.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients and meals to approved recipes and dietary instructions.
• Check ingredient labels and escalate any uncertainty about allergens.
• Maintain cleaning, temperature and stock-rotation records.
• Store food safely and separate raw and ready-to-eat products.
• Assist with ordering, portion planning and waste monitoring.
• Support supervised cooking activities for children when authorised.
• Report equipment faults and hazards immediately.
• Provide competent delegated kitchen cover without exceeding training.

Experience

Relevant food preparation or catering experience in a supervised kitchen.

Qualifications and registration

Food hygiene and allergen-awareness training appropriate to duties, with practical competence verified before unsupervised tasks.

Essential capabilities

• Careful attention to food safety and instructions.
• Good practical organisation and willingness to learn.
• Respectful communication with children and colleagues.
• Ability to recognise when to stop and ask the chef for advice.

Desirable experience

Relevant catering qualification and experience in a care or school kitchen.

What good performance looks like

Meals are prepared safely and on time, with clear records and effective kitchen teamwork.

Benefits and safer recruitment

All employee benefits and recruitment standards apply, including 32 days holiday plus bank holidays, 8% employer pension, family medical and dental cover subject to insurer terms, and the clean driving licence criterion with reasonable adjustments where required. Required vetting is completed before a final contract.

Apply for AL07

Email hr@astha.org quoting this reference. HR will discuss the location, hours, secure application route and adjustments.