Sous Chef
Location: Mid Sussex
Salary: Up to £45,000 OTE (including tips)
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Role
Are you an experienced and passionate Chef looking to take the next step in your career?
We're recruiting for a hands-on 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 Chef who enjoys working with fresh seasonal produce, leading a section and supporting a busy kitchen team.
Working closely with the Head Chef and Senior Sous Chef, you'll play an important role in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, helping to maintain high standards of food quality, consistency and service while developing your own skills and experience.
The restaurant is a genuinely busy operation, particularly during Friday and Saturday evenings and Sundays, so this role would suit someone who thrives under pressure, enjoys a fast-paced kitchen and takes pride in delivering high-quality food.
Responsibilities
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Support the Head Chef and Senior Sous Chef with the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
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Lead and manage kitchen sections during busy services.
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Support and guide junior members of the brigade.
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Prepare, cook and present fresh, seasonal food to a high standard.
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Assist with the creation and development of seasonal dishes and daily specials.
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Help plan and coordinate weddings, buffets, events and large group bookings.
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Assist with ordering, stock control and food-cost management.
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Maintain awareness of GP and help minimise food waste.
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Ensure food quality, consistency and presentation remain at a high standard.
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Maintain excellent Health & Safety, food hygiene and cleanliness standards.
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Work closely with the Front of House team to ensure smooth service.
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Maintain a clean, organised and professional kitchen environment.
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Support the senior kitchen team with training and development of junior chefs.
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Step up and take responsibility for the kitchen when required.
Requirements
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Proven experience as a Chef, Sous Chef or experienced Chef de Partie ready to step up.
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Strong experience working with fresh, seasonal produce.
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Experience working in a busy restaurant, gastro pub or similar kitchen.
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Confident running a section during busy services.
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Creative approach to seasonal dishes and menu development.
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Understanding of ordering, stock control, GP and food-cost management.
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Strong communication and teamwork skills.
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Calm, organised and able to perform effectively under pressure.
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Consistent, committed and 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 £45,000 OTE, including tips.
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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 develop your skills within a highly regarded independent restaurant.
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Genuine opportunity for career progression within the kitchen team.
If you're an experienced Chef or Sous Chef looking for your next opportunity within a busy, fresh-food kitchen, we'd love to hear from you. This is a great opportunity to join an established team where high standards, fresh food and a strong working environment are at the heart of the operation.