Senior Sous Chef
Location: Mid Sussex
Salary: Up to £50,000 OTE (including tips)
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Role
Are you an experienced and passionate Sous Chef looking for the opportunity to take the next step in your career?
We're recruiting for a hands-on Senior Sous Chef to join the experienced kitchen team at a highly regarded, family-run 150-cover restaurant in Mid Sussex. This is an exciting opportunity for a proven Sous Chef who enjoys leading a team, working with fresh seasonal produce and maintaining high standards in a busy kitchen environment.
Working closely with the Head Chef, you'll play a key role in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, helping to lead a brigade of around 9 chefs while contributing to menu development, service standards, events and kitchen operations.
The restaurant is a genuinely busy operation, particularly during Friday and Saturday evenings and Sundays, so this role would suit someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in delivering consistently high-quality food.
Responsibilities
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Support the Head Chef with the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
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Lead, motivate and develop a brigade of approximately 9 chefs.
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Run kitchen sections and maintain consistently high standards during service.
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Prepare, cook and present fresh, seasonal food to a high standard.
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Create and develop seasonal dishes and daily specials.
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Plan and coordinate weddings, buffets, events and large group bookings.
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Manage ordering, stock control and food costs.
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Maintain strong GP awareness and minimise food waste.
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Support the organisation of rotas, recipe manuals and training guides.
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Ensure all Health & Safety, food hygiene and cleanliness standards are maintained.
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Work closely with the Front of House team to ensure smooth and efficient service.
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Maintain a clean, organised and professional kitchen environment.
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Support the Head Chef in developing the team and maintaining consistency across the kitchen.
Requirements
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Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a restaurant, gastro pub or similar environment.
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Strong experience working with fresh, seasonal produce.
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Confident leading a kitchen team in a busy, high-volume environment.
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Creative approach to menu development and daily specials.
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Strong understanding of ordering, stock control, GP and food-cost management.
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Excellent leadership, communication and mentoring skills.
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Calm, organised and able to perform under pressure.
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Consistent, committed and highly professional approach to work.
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Strong attention to detail and high standards of food quality.
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Own transport is essential.
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UK-based applicants only.
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No accommodation provided.
Rewards
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Up to £50,000 OTE, including tips.
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Base salary expected to be around £44,000–£45,000 + tips, depending on experience.
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Average tips of approximately £6,000 per year.
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2.5 days off per week, with flexibility around how these are taken.
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3 evenings off per week.
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Approximately 45–50 hours per week.
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Mix of straight and split shifts.
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Weekday finishes around 9.15pm.
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Sunday finish around 7.15–7.30pm.
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Weekly-paid tips and bonuses.
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Supportive, family-run working environment.
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Experienced and established chef team.
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Opportunity to play a key leadership role within a highly regarded independent restaurant.
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Genuine opportunity to develop and progress within the business.
If you're an experienced Sous Chef ready to take on a senior leadership position within a busy, fresh-food kitchen, we'd love to hear from you. This is an opportunity to join an established team where high standards, fresh food and a strong working environment are at the heart of the operation.