GiGi - Sous Chef

Gusto Restaurants Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

GiGi is seeking a Sous Chef to act as the bridge between leadership and the pass, supporting the Head Chef to ensure every service runs with confidence and precision.

You will lead by example, coach the team and help create an environment where every chef can thrive. Whether preparing fresh pasta, finishing dishes on the pass or supporting the team through a busy Saturday night, your attention to detail and calm leadership will define every service.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a quality restaurant (Sous Chef or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of fresh food preparation and plating.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Positive, supportive leadership style.
• High standards of cleanliness, hygiene and kitchen discipline.
• Passion for coaching and developing others.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and busy periods.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Lead sections confidently, ensuring dishes meet GiGi standards.
• Supervise and support chefs during service, providing guidance and organisation.
• Coach and develop Line Chefs, Commis Chefs and Kitchen Porters.
• Maintain food quality, consistency and presentation across services.
• Monitor prep levels and mise en place for smooth service.
• Assist with stock, deliveries and cost control while minimising waste.
• Uphold health & safety standards at all times.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and training of new staff.
• Step into leadership when the Head Chef is absent.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Teamwork

Food safety

Discipline

Quality standards

Time management

Job description

Sous Chef

The Kitchen at GiGi

THE ROLE

At GiGi, the kitchen is built on craftsmanship, discipline and pride.

As a Sous Chef, you are the bridge between leadership and the team on the pass. You are a role model for standards, consistency and professionalism, supporting the Head Chef to ensure every service runs with confidence and precision.

This is a role for someone ready to take the next step in their career. You will lead by example, coach those around you and help create an environment where every chef can thrive. Whether preparing fresh pasta, finishing dishes on the pass or supporting the team through a busy Saturday night, your attention to detail and calm leadership will define every service.

At GiGi, every plate tells a story.

You help make sure it's one worth remembering.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen
• Lead sections confidently, ensuring every dish is prepared and presented to GiGi standards
• Supervise and support chefs during service, providing guidance and maintaining high levels of organisation
• Coach and develop Line Chefs, Commis Chefs and Kitchen Porters, helping them build confidence and skills
• Ensure food quality, consistency and presentation remain exceptional throughout every service
• Monitor prep levels, mise en place and section readiness to ensure smooth service
• Help manage stock, deliveries and ordering while minimising waste
• Maintain excellent food hygiene, cleanliness and Health & Safety standards at all times
• Support recruitment, onboarding and training of new kitchen team members
• Step into leadership responsibilities whenever the Head Chef is absent

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

You take pride in doing things properly.

You remain calm under pressure, communicate clearly and enjoy helping others succeed. You understand that great kitchens are built on teamwork, preparation and consistency.

You'll ideally have:

• Experience as a Sous Chef within a quality restaurant
• Strong knowledge of fresh food preparation and service
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• A positive, supportive leadership style
• High standards of cleanliness, food safety and kitchen discipline
• Passion for coaching and developing others
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and key trading periods

WHY GIGI?

GiGi is a love letter to Italian dining at its most glamorous.

Inspired by the golden age of Italian hospitality, we're creating restaurants full of theatre, warmth and unforgettable experiences. Behind every memorable guest experience is a kitchen team committed to excellence, working together with passion, precision and pride.

As a Sous Chef, you'll be given the opportunity to develop your leadership skills, learn from experienced chefs and grow your career within an ambitious restaurant group that believes in promoting talent from within.

Because at GiGi, we don't simply serve great food.

We create moments.