Senior Sous Chef Review

I am the Senior Sous Chef of a Premier League football club, Wolverhampton Wanderers. On match day I feed just shy of 800 people and oversee player feeding. Day to day I do admin, rotas, ordering, conference and event catering, event planning and oversee the team making sure all our targets are met.

Since I have worked at Wolves FC I have been encouraged to delve more into a management role, meaning that my knowledge of how to lead a team, office systems within compass, HR issues, scheduling, accounts, ordering and have been part of my day to day week but give me the knowledge for my next step in my career

MY course is not culinary based but people focused. It is an operational management course and not just focused on Compass so i look at all businesses, stakeholders, managing people which is all new and interesting to me as for 14 years I have been kitchen based.

The course I feel to begin with was tedious and an information overload. However my lecturer Bob is great at keeping you engaged, uploads the masterclasses onto bud so if i do miss something it doesn't matter as I can watch it back when i write my assignments. The course is well organized and we get lots of time to submit our assignments which means that it isnt hard to fit it in around work.

I dont ask for much support from work but that is because i am an independent person. I know that if i needed support or help with anything i could go to my head chef, ops manager or GM to get the information. They are good at giving me time to complete my course through the week and allow me to make my appointments whenever i need to. I am grateful of the flexibility i am given and if i need anything i feel supported.

My training provider GLP is great at support, all via email or by bud. Bob gets back to me the same working day if i have any issues. They encourage self guided learning which was difficult to begin with as i have been out of learning for a while but with additional support i am on target to complete early.

when difficult situations occur i feel i put the coaching and mentoring practices into place so i can reflect, navigate and present myself as the best version of myself. It has also helped me to evaluate my sector and see things from a broader prospective than i would of previously.

There are lots of things i get involved in at work, shaping future candidates in our industry, women in food, equality, diversity and inclusion network, mental health matters and any other support i can lend to colleagues

Yes

I did a 2 year stint with Compass years ago and left as i was offered a higher paid position which after 12 months i regretted. I then spent 4 years applying for different compass roles to try and get back in to the business. Its a great company with lots of opportunities, great support, diverse roles and sectors and I find Levy UK is filled with people who care.

If you don't get the first role you apply for keep trying. Its a fantastic business with lots to offer if you get involved, put yourself out there and want to climb the ladder.