Lead Sous Chef: Hands-On Kitchen Leadership & Menu Creation

MEAA; Greater London; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

MEAA, a vibrant Mediterranean restaurant in London, is seeking a reliable, hands-on Sous Chef to help lead our kitchen team. Working closely with the Head Chef, you will deliver high‑quality food, keep service running smoothly and maintain cleanliness and food safety standards.

You will mentor the kitchen team, take charge in the Head Chef's absence, and contribute to menu development while managing stock, portions and cost control during busy service.

Qualifications

• Professional cookery and food safety qualifications are required.
• Experience with ordering, stocktaking, recipe costing or rota planning is expected.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends is essential.

Responsibilities

• Food preparation and service.
• Prepare, cook and present dishes consistently, following recipes and presentation standards.
• Organise mise en place and ensure each section is stocked and ready before service.
• Oversee sections during service, manage ticket flow and check dishes before leaving the kitchen.
• Work closely with the service team on order timings, dietary requirements and customer feedback.
• Support the Head Chef with menu development and recipe improvements.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Cooking skills

Leadership

Food safety knowledge

Commercial awareness

Reliability

Availability

Education

Professional cookery qualification

Food safety qualification

Tools

Rota planning

Job description

MEAA, a vibrant Mediterranean restaurant in London, is seeking a reliable, hands-on Sous Chef to help lead our kitchen team. Working closely with the Head Chef, you will deliver high‑quality food, keep service running smoothly and maintain cleanliness and food safety standards.

You will mentor the kitchen team, take charge in the Head Chef's absence, and contribute to menu development while managing stock, portions and cost control during busy service.