Junior Sous Chef

Ottolenghi; Oxford; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Staff meals on shift

Health and well-being support (HSF)

Refer a Friend £500 bonus

Learning & Development opportunities

Parental Pay after two years

Birthday treat

Workshops and demos in Ottolenghi Test

Job summary

Ottolenghi in Oxfordshire is seeking a skilled Junior Sous Chef or strong Chef de Partie to join a vibrant, high-quality kitchen. You will support senior chefs, own your section, and help mentor junior team members while maintaining exceptional standards of food quality and presentation.

Join a creative, fast-paced kitchen where food safety and teamwork are paramount, with opportunities for learning and development in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Junior Sous Chef or strong Chef de Partie in a high-quality kitchen.
• Passion for food and a real desire to grow within a professional kitchen environment.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Support the Sous Chef and Head Chef in the daily running of the kitchen.
• Take ownership of your section and ensure consistent quality throughout service.
• Assist in the training and mentoring of Commis Chefs and kitchen porters.
• Maintain exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation standards.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations at all times.
• Contribute to stock management, minimising waste and supporting ordering processes.
• Collaborate with the wider kitchen team on specials, menu development, and continuous improvement.
• Support with onboarding new kitchen team members.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment.

Skills

Knife skills

Cooking techniques

Team player

Communication

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Calm under pressure

Culinary craft

Job description

At Ottolenghi, we're known for vibrant food, busy delis, and restaurants full of energy—but what really matters is our people. We create environments where teams feel supported, take pride in what they do, and deliver a genuinely warm experience to every guest.

Ottolenghi Bicester Village brings our signature flavours and warm hospitality to one of the UK's most celebrated retail destinations. It's a unique and exciting location that welcomes guests from across the country and beyond

What you'll do

• Support the Sous Chef and Head Chef in the daily running of the kitchen.
• Take ownership of your section and ensure consistent quality throughout service.
• Assist in the training and mentoring of Commis Chefs and kitchen porters.
• Maintain exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation standards.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations at all times.
• Contribute to stock management, minimising waste and supporting ordering processes.
• Collaborate with the wider kitchen team on specials, menu development, and continuous improvement.
• Support with onboarding new kitchen team members.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment.

What we're looking for

• Previous experience as a Junior Sous Chef or strong Chef de Partie in a high-quality kitchen.
• A passion for food and a genuine desire to grow within a professional kitchen environment.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.

Key skills

• Excellent knife skills and a strong understanding of classical and modern cooking techniques.
• A collaborative team player with a positive attitude.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure during busy service.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Well-organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Comfortable using relevant IT systems.
• Ability to multitask and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.
• Calm under pressure with a solution-focused mindset.
• A genuine passion for food and culinary craft and continuous improvement.

What's in it for you?

• 28 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays
• Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount
• Health and well-being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts
• Refer a Friend Bonus: £500 for each successful referral
• Learning & Development opportunities including management coaching, WSET wine training, Ottolenghi Chef's Academy workshops, and access to external courses
• A warm, inclusive working culture where individuality, growth, and creativity are celebrated
• Enhanced Parental Pay after two years' service
• A special birthday treat to celebrate your day
• Exclusive workshops and demos, including cooking, food, wine, and cocktail sessions in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen
• A collaborative and creative environment where your ideas are valued

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.