Junior Sous

Knepp Castle Estate, Knepp Farms LLP; Dial Post; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% off in the restaurant

20% off in the shop

Summer and Christmas parties

Coffee & tea on tap

Supportive management team

Job summary

A leading sustainable restaurant in Dial Post is seeking an ambitious Junior Sous Chef to support the Head Chef and Sous Chef in daily operations. This role is ideal for a developing chef ready to step into leadership, focusing on exceptional food using the finest produce. Responsibilities include managing kitchen sections, training junior staff, and contributing to menu development. The work environment emphasizes sustainability and work-life balance with competitive perks. Opportunities for career development are also available.

Qualifications

• Experience at senior management level.
• Experience in high-volume, quality-focused restaurant.
• Development opportunities, training and career progression.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef and Sous Chef in the day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Lead sections during service ensuring high standards.
• Help train and motivate junior kitchen team members.
• Assist with menu development based on seasonality.
• Contribute to stock control and waste reduction.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness according to standards.

Skills

People management

Strong organisational skills

Confident communicator

Team player

Proactive attitude

Passion for great produce

Job description

Salary: £33,000-35,000 (excluding tips)
Tips: Approx. £800+/month
Hours: 45 hours per week over five days
Location: Knepp Wilding Kitchen, Dial Post, West Sussex, RH13 8PY

The Role

We’re looking for an ambitious and motivated Junior Sous Chef to join the team at Knepp Wilding Kitchen. Working closely with the Head Chef and Sous Chef, you’ll play a key role in delivering exceptional food using outstanding produce from our rewilding estate, on-site butchery and three-acre market garden. This is an excellent opportunity for a developing chef to step into a leadership position within a purpose‑led, ingredient‑driven kitchen focused on sustainability, seasonality and quality.

About Knepp

Knepp is a 3,500‑acre rewilding estate near Horsham, pioneering nature‑led land management. Our kitchen showcases award‑winning beef, venison and pork, alongside seasonal vegetables grown in our three‑acre on‑site market garden.

We are an ingredient‑led, Michelin‑listed, high‑paced restaurant, focused on celebrating the very best sustainable British produce.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef and Sous Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen
• Lead sections during service and ensure consistently high standards across all dishes
• Help train, motivate and support junior members of the kitchen team
• Assist with menu development and daily specials, driven by seasonality and availability
• Contribute to stock control, ordering and waste reduction
• Support with events and larger services when required
• Maintain a safe, clean and organised kitchen, adhering to 5-star EHO standards

Requirements

• We are a rural site, the candidate must be able to get to site independently
• Experience at senior management level
• Experience in people management
• Experience in high-volume, quality-focused restaurant
• Ready to take the next step into a Junior Sous role
• Strong organisational skills and a positive, proactive attitude
• A passion for great produce, sustainability and continuous learning
• Confident communicator and team player
• Development opportunities, training and career progression
• Good work-life balance, with almost entirely daytime trade
• Summer and Christmas parties
• Coffee & tea on tap
• 50% off in the restaurant, 20% off in the shop
• Supportive and encouraging management team

To apply:

Please send a copy of your CV and a short covering letter to [e-mail] , explaining how your experience, qualities and values align with the job description and person specification.

Knepp is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in our team as much as we do in our landscape. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles at Knepp.