Senior Sous Chef

Lina Stores; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned Italian restaurant group in London is seeking a Senior Sous Chef / Junior Head Chef to lead kitchen operations. The ideal candidate will manage team performance, ensure food quality, and contribute to menu development. With a focus on authentic Italian dishes, this role is perfect for a passionate chef ready to step into a leadership position. Benefits include training opportunities and discounts across all locations.

Benefits

24/7 GP and prescription services

Up to 30% off at all Lina Stores locations

Daily coffee allowance

Ongoing training programs

Cycle to work scheme

Staff parties

Qualifications

• Passionate about Italian cuisine and ready to lead in a busy kitchen.
• Experience in managing team performance and delivering high-quality dishes.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Inspire and train junior chefs.
• Ensure highest standards of food quality.

Skills

Leadership

Team Development

Quality & Consistency

Stock & Cost Control

Customer Experience

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene certification

Job description

As a Senior Sous Chef / Junior Head Chef, you will play a key leadership role in the kitchen - managing day-to-day operations, leading and motivating the team, and ensuring the highest standards of food quality and consistency.

Responsibilities

• Kitchen Leadership: support the daily running of the kitchen, managing prep, service, and team performance; step into full leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Team Development: inspire, train, and mentor junior team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, care, and continuous learning.
• Quality & Consistency: ensure every dish is prepared to the highest standards of taste, presentation, and authenticity.
• Stock & Cost Control: assist with stock management, ordering, and cost control, ensuring waste is minimised and margins are met.
• Menu Collaboration: work closely with the Head Chef, management, and Lina Cucina team on menu development, specials, and seasonal changes.
• Customer Experience: take pride in our food and, when needed, interact with guests to enhance their dining experience.

Qualifications

• Skilled and passionate Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef looking to step up into a leadership role.
• Confident leading a team in a busy kitchen and committed to delivering high-quality, authentic Italian food.
• Obsessed with flavour, presentation, and maintaining the highest hygiene and safety standards.
• Organised, calm under pressure, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Experienced with ordering, stock control, and rota planning.
• Holding a minimum Level 2 Food Hygiene certification.

Benefits

• 24/7/365 access to GP and prescription services.
• Up to 30% off at all Lina Stores restaurants, bars, and delicatessens.
• Up to 30% off at our sister restaurants.
• Daily coffee allowance and homemade nutritious meals on shift.
• Ongoing training and a clear development path to Head Chef level.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Hospitality Rewards App.
• Wagestream platform.
• Employees and Leader of the Quarter recognition.
• Staff parties and a supportive, people-first culture.

About Lina Stores

We are an Italian delicatessen and restaurant group with locations across London and an exciting new opening coming soon in Manchester. First established in 1944, Lina Stores is renowned for its fresh, handmade pasta, artisanal meats, cheeses, antipasti, and many other authentic products—all imported directly from Italy. Our restaurants give guests the chance to experience traditional Italian dishes made with passion, precision, and love by our dedicated team. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, teamwork, and commitment to quality - whether dining in, taking away from our deli, or ordering online. All of our recipes are created at Lina Cucina, our dedicated prep and development kitchen in Peckham.