Sous Chef

Salary: From £34,000 per year
Working Pattern: 5 days out of 7, including weekends
Job Type: Full-time

Our client is looking for an experienced and passionate Sous Chef to join their kitchen team and support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of a busy, high-performing operation.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Sous Chef, or a Chef ready to take the next step in their career, to join a professional kitchen where quality, consistency and teamwork are highly valued.

The Role

Working closely with the Head Chef, the Sous Chef will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the kitchen.

You will be responsible for managing your section, maintaining high culinary standards, supporting the kitchen brigade and ensuring consistently excellent food is delivered throughout service.

The successful candidate will also take responsibility for the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef with the day-to-day management and operation of the kitchen.
• Manage and lead your section to ensure an efficient and well-organised service.
• Prepare and produce dishes to a consistently high standard.
• Ensure all ingredients and preparation are ready before service.
• Maintain excellent standards of food quality, presentation and consistency.
• Assist with weekly stock takes, stock control and stock rotation.
• Support food purchasing, deliveries and correct storage of ingredients.
• Monitor kitchen costs and contribute to improving gross profit margins.
• Assist with staff rotas, training and development of the kitchen team.
• Support and motivate the kitchen brigade, ensuring high culinary standards are maintained.
• Take responsibility for the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Assist with menu development, recipe creation and menu input.
• Maintain excellent food hygiene, health and safety standards.
• Ensure food safety and hygiene procedures are consistently followed, with the aim of achieving and maintaining a 5-star rating.
• Report any maintenance, hygiene or health and safety issues.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised working environment.
• Work effectively within a busy, high-volume dining and function environment.
• Promote environmentally responsible working practices and minimise waste.

About You

Our client is looking for a candidate who can demonstrate:

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, or as a Chef ready to progress into a Sous Chef position.
• NVQ Level 2 & 3 or equivalent qualifications.
• Level 2 Food Hygiene or equivalent.
• Experience within dining and high-volume function catering.
• A strong passion for fresh, high-quality food.
• Confidence managing a section during busy services.
• Good knowledge of food safety, hygiene and kitchen standards.
• Experience with stock control, cost management and food purchasing.
• The ability to contribute to menu development and new recipe ideas.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• The ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• A professional, reliable and positive approach to teamwork.
• Flexibility to work weekends as required by the business.

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious chef to join an established operation and play an important role within the kitchen team.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with an experienced Head Chef, contribute to menu development and take on significant responsibility within the kitchen.

If you are an experienced Sous Chef looking for your next opportunity, or a Chef ready to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you.