Commis Chef

The Oak Barn Bar & Restaurant; Chichester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips & bonuses

Work-life balance

Flexible shifts

Family-run & supportive

Job summary

The Oak Barn Bar & Restaurant in Mid Sussex is seeking a dynamic Commis Chef to join our busy kitchen. You will work under experienced chefs to learn, develop skills and contribute to Rosette-standard dishes using seasonal produce.

This is a family-run, 150-cover operation with a friendly, hardworking team. Typical shifts include 9.15am-3.30pm and 5.30pm-9.15pm, with 45-50 hours per week and 2.5 days off. UK-based applicants only, own transport required.

Qualifications

• Solid chef experience in restaurants or gastro pubs.
• Strong background in fresh-produce kitchens.
• Creative flair with seasonal produce and menu innovation.

Responsibilities

• Work with senior team to learn and improve.
• Assist brigade in service and preparation.
• Run kitchen sections and oversee standards of service & food.
• Create and develop seasonal menus and daily specials.
• Plan and coordinate events, weddings and buffets.
• Prepare, cook and present Rosette-standard dishes.
• Manage ordering, stock control and GP awareness.

Skills

Chef experience

High-quality produce

Menu innovation

Job description

(One of Sussex’s Best) Up to £33K Package - 45+hours - 2.5 days off - 3 evenings off / week

The Oak Barn Restaurant - Mid Sussex - www.oakbarnrestaurant.co.uk

Ready to Lead One of Sussex’s Best? This is a unique opportunity to lead one of Sussex’s most highly regarded independent restaurants. If you are ready to bring your creativity, leadership & culinary expertise to The Oak Barn, we would like to hear from you!

Benefits Of Working For Us

• Tips & bonuses (weekly paid, average + £6,000 annually*)
• Work-life balance: 2.5 days off weekly & 9.15pm* finish times
• 4.5 days over 7* (mix of splits & straights)
• 3 evenings off a week*
• 45-50 hours a week*
• Working Hours*: 9.15am - 3.30pm - Break - 5.30pm - 9.15pm
• Flexible shifts with lifestyle-friendly hours
• Family-run & supportive atmosphere with a hardworking & passionate, "work hard ... play hard" culture
• Experienced chef team

About Us

The Oak Barn Restaurant is a family-run, independent, top-rated 150-cover Restaurant & Bar in Mid Sussex. We pride ourselves on creating Rosette-standard modern British cuisine, combining timeless classics with contemporary flair. Our menus are seasonal, locally sourced & freshly prepared to order, with daily specials & catering for weddings, buffets & large group bookings.

The Role

We are seeking a dynamic & passionate Commis Chef to join our busy kitchen. This is a perfect role for someone looking to develop their skills, gain hands on experience with structured mentoring.

Food Service Times

• Monday - Saturday: 12pm - 3pm & 6pm - 9pm
• Sunday: 12pm - 7pm
• Out of the kitchen by approx. 9.15pm weekdays, 7.30pm Sundays*

Responsibilities

• Work closely alongside senior team to learn & improve
• Assist the brigade in service & preparation
• Run kitchen sections & oversee standards of service & food
• Create & develop seasonal menus & daily specials
• Efficiently plan & coordinate events, weddings & buffets
• Prepare, cook & present fresh food to Rosette standard
• Manage ordering, stock control, GP awareness & cost control
• Uphold Health & Safety & Hygiene regulations
• Collaborate effectively with the Front of House team
• Ensure cleanliness, organisation & high standards across the kitchen

The Ideal Candidate

• Solid & proven Chef experience in restaurants or gastro pubs
• Strong background in high-quality & fresh-produce kitchens
• Creative flair with seasonal produce & menu innovation
• Thrives under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Committed, consistent & detail-oriented work approach
• Own transport essential
• No accommodation provided - UK-based applicants only
• On rare occasions, such as specific days or weeks of the year, or when necessary, work hours, shift coverage, pay & schedules may change.