Sous Chef - National Theatre - Compass Group UK : Job Details

Sous Chef - National Theatre London

£42,000 per annum 

NT Food & Drink is a unique and dynamic partnership driven by Levy and KERB, embedded within the National Theatre on the South Bank. Our ambition to create a world-class hospitality destination at the heart of the world's most iconic theatre is powered by our progressive people-first approach, centred on environmental and social sustainability. We celebrate inclusivity with purpose, putting the development and progression of our future leader’s centre stage. Our shared goal is to ensure all food and drink spaces support the NT's overall values, vision, and culture.

Purpose 

Reporting to the Head Chef, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the kitchen. The main purpose is to support the head chef in managing the kitchen team, overseeing food preparation, and ensure dishes are executed to the highest standards. The sous chef plays a key role in inventory management, adhering to food safety and health and safety standards, record keeping, events execution, training culinary & FOH team. The sous chef assists in running the kitchen efficiently and smoothly. 

Responsibilities 

• Assist with menu planning, preparation, and execution for events, ensuring adherence to specifications and high standards.
• Manage and oversee the culinary team during events, conducting briefings and ensuring smooth BOH & FOH collaboration.
• Prepare and execute menu items to specification, maintaining quality control and stock par levels across outlets.
• Lead the team in the absence of the Head Chef, handling senior responsibilities and daily task organization.
• Conduct staff training, including inductions, health & safety, allergen awareness, and event-specific briefings.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, HSE policies, and documentation, performing audits and completing reports.
• Manage kitchen equipment, stock levels, and logistics, liaising with the logistics team and maintaining kitchen linen.
• Support inventory management, including stock counts, transfers, and ordering to maintain operational efficiency.

Requirements

• Confident: Sound understanding of all menus, can deliver a wide range of events & operations. Able to oversee multiple areas of the business and deliver consistently exceptional food. 
• Detail-focused: Highly organised individual. Follows process and procedures to ensure smooth delivery of daily operations, including planning, to ensure all team members have the right information to deliver a seamless operation. 
• Flexible: Embraces the agility required to manage multiple events simultaneously, with guest numbers of 200+. Open to adjusting working patterns within reason, as relevant to business requirements from time to time 
• Safety Led: Leads by example on all HSE practices across the department and implements best practice.
• Financial Acumen: Manages stock, wastage, staffing levels to the business needs 
• Curious: Has a passion to bring ideas to the table, as well as a desire to develop and grow their own skills, with a long term objective to grow the project.  

 Benefits

• Healthcare & Wellbeing – Medicash health benefits (including dental, mental health & optical for you and up to 4 children), free annual health check with Aviva Digicare, discounts at Nuffield Health & Pure Gym, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Exclusive Perks & Discounts – Save on entertainment (up to 55% off cinema tickets), shopping (up to 15% off), Vodafone plans, and travel with top providers such as TUI & Expedia.
• Workplace Benefits – Meals on duty, pension scheme, life assurance, and professional subscriptions paid.
• Leave & Family Support – 23 days + bank holidays, your birthday off, extra leave after maternity return, a day off for your baby’s 1st birthday, and a holiday purchase scheme.
• Career & Financial Support – Ongoing training & development, career pathways, financial wellbeing programme, and preferred rates on salary finance products.
• Exclusive National Theatre discounts (15% off outlets, 25% off Bookshop, complimentary show tickets)
• Food & drink discounts (Kerb Card: 20% off drinks, 50% off food at Seven Dials Market)
• VIP last-minute O2 show tickets (subject to availability)
• Discounted onsite parking (£4/day)

About Us

Levy UK & Ireland, a vibrant and exciting division of Compass Group, specializes in creating legendary food, drink, and hospitality experiences at world-class venues. In the UK, Levy partners with renowned locations such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, Tottenham Hotspur, and ExCel London, focusing on sustainability, wellbeing, and diversity. Known for its culinary excellence, Levy champions sustainably sourced ingredients and exceptional service, aligning with its mission to "do the right thing" for people and the planet. As proud partners of the British Paralympic Association, we ensure all team members are paid at least the Real Living Wage or London Living Wage and collaborate with innovative brands to deliver best-in-class experiences.

At Levy UK & Ireland, we take pride in fostering a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion. We believe that our differences are our greatest strengths, and we are committed to creating an environment where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered.

Our team is a vibrant tapestry of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, which enriches our creativity, innovation, and overall success. We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities, promoting fairness, and ensuring that all voices are heard.

We firmly believe that a diverse team leads to innovation and creativity. We welcome candidates from all walks of life and backgrounds to join us in our mission to create a supportive and equitable work environment where everyone has the chance to excel and collaborate.

Join us in our journey towards a more diverse and inclusive world, where every person has the chance to thrive and contribute their unique talents. Together, we can achieve greatness.