Junior Sous Chef

Ottolenghi Bicester Village; Bicester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A notable restaurant in Bicester is seeking a Junior Sous Chef to join their dynamic kitchen team. You will support the Sous Chef and Head Chef in the daily operations and lead the team to ensure high standards of food quality and service. Ideal candidates will have experience in a high-quality kitchen, exhibit strong cooking and organizational skills, and have a true passion for food and hospitality. This role offers competitive salary and benefits, including opportunities for growth and development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

30 days’ holiday including bank holidays

Staff meals and discounts

Health and wellbeing support

Learning & development opportunities

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Chef de Partie or Junior Sous Chef in a high-quality kitchen.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Genuine passion for food and hospitality.

Responsibilities

• Support the Sous Chef and Head Chef in managing service and kitchen operations.
• Train and develop junior members of the team.
• Maintain food safety and hygiene standards.

Skills

Excellent cooking skills

Organisational skills

Leadership abilities

Reliability

Collaborative attitude

Job description

We’re searching for a Junior Sous Chef to join the team at Ottolenghi Bicester Village. This is a key role for an ambitious chef who is ready to step up and take on more responsibility in a fast-paced, creative kitchen.

Working closely with the Sous Chef and Head Chef, you’ll help to manage the day-to-day running of the kitchen, leading by example and ensuring dishes are delivered to Ottolenghi’s exacting standards.

What you’ll do:

• Support the Sous Chef and Head Chef in managing service and kitchen operations.
• Lead and inspire the team, ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency.
• Take responsibility for stock control, ordering, and waste management.
• Train and develop junior members of the team.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards at all times.
• Contribute creativity, ideas, and passion to menu development.

What we’re looking for:

• Previous experience as a strong Chef de Partie or Junior Sous Chef in a high-quality kitchen.
• Excellent cooking and organisational skills, with the ability to stay calm under pressure.
• A positive leader who enjoys training and supporting others.
• A genuine passion for food, flavour, and hospitality.
• Reliability, professionalism, and a collaborative attitude.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• 30 days’ holiday including bank holidays.
• Ottolenghi meals on shift and generous staff discounts.
• Health and wellbeing support, including healthcare plan and cycle to work scheme.
• Learning & development opportunities including cookery workshops, WSET training, and leadership coaching.
• A supportive environment where your skills and career can grow.

If you’re a skilled chef looking for your next step and the chance to be part of a creative and dynamic kitchen, we’d love to hear from you.