Sous Chef

Rockfish Budleigh; Budleigh Salterton; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Half-price dining for you and guests

10% off Online Seafood Market

Crew meals on shift

Mental health support

Pension plan

Job summary

Rockfish Budleigh is seeking a Sous Chef to join our award-winning coastal restaurant, delivering exceptional seafood plates and leading a kitchen team with passion for quality.

You’ll manage kitchen operations, uphold food safety and stock control, and collaborate with front-of-house to create memorable dining experiences while enjoying a supportive, inclusive environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a talented kitchen team, driving consistency and supporting the Head Chef in managing kitchen operations.
• Maintain high standards in food safety, stock control, cost and waste management, and collaborate with front of house.

Job description

Rockfish Budleigh Sous Chef

Are you wanting to be part of a team that are proud to be recognised as one of the best places to work in hospitality in the UK?

Driven by a deep passion for people, sustainability, and unforgettable dining experiences, our group of 12 award-winning coastal restaurants, wholesale and online seafood fishmonger, is led by seafood expert Mitch Tonks. We’re proud to be MSC certified with daily landings from Brixham market delivered to our restaurants every day!

You’llbe working in one of the UK’s most beautiful coastal towns, with stunning views, working with a team that care about the ocean, sustainability,qualityand genuine hospitality. Our crew rock, there’s no two ways about it. We work hard, take pride in what we do, and bring genuine warmth to everything we do. At Rockfish, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and inspired.

Whether you’re just starting out or already on the path, Rockfish is a place to build a lasting career in hospitality. We don’t just talk about progression — we plan for it, support it, and celebrate it. Many of our leaders started on the restaurant floor or in the kitchen. With clear training, hands‑on learning, and support from people who’ve been there, you can go further here — wherever you begin.

What's in it for you?

• 50% off food for you and your friends and family at Rockfish and The Seahorse.
• 10% off our Online Seafood Market – bring the seafood home with you (not the work!)
• Win prizes like Rockfish merch, wine trips, brewery collabs and more.
• Earn generous cash rewards for every successful referral you bring on board.

How we support you?

• Free, dedicated support from our helpline, confidential counselling and advice via Hospitality Action from day one
• Access to our own Rockfish paddle boards — perfect for your lunch break or after work down time!
• Crew meals on a full day
• We actively support good mental health, inside and outside of work with our senior managers trained as mental health first aiders.
• Financial support when you need it! Financial and debt advice via Hospitality action. Advance on wages and borrow up to one month’s pay after 2 years’ service, for life’s surprises

What to expect?

This package is £32.5k perannum basic plus approximately £3.5ktronc per annum +tips and overtime!

• We pay salaries monthly but tronc and tips on a weekly basis via our external troncmaster Tipjar, - so you can earn and access your cash quicker!
• This is a casual role working is across 5 days, Monday - Sunday availability required.
• We're are lunch and dinner dining restaurant meaning our teams work a variety of daytime and evening shifts determined by the rota.
• Christmas off, our sites are closed Christmas eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day
• We'll provide the Chef whites!
• We're not about extra hours, but if they're ever needed, overtime is paid.
• Enjoy your birthday off every year!
• Enjoy 28 days paid holiday (Pro-rata) based on your working hours.
• 4-week paid sabbatical after 10 years!
• Working daily with a team who thrive on our shared values of care, community, and connection makes every challenge an opportunity and every success a collective celebration.
• Want to progress your career? – we actively promote from with within! With opportunities across all locations
• An auto enrolment Pension to help you save for the future

As a Rockfish Sous Chef, you’ll cook exceptional seafood dishes, ensuring every plate meets Rockfish standards. You’ll lead and inspire a talented kitchen team, driving consistency, and support the Head Chef in managing kitchen operations. You’ll maintain high standards in food safety, stock control, cost and waste management, and collaborate with the front of house team to deliver unforgettable dining experiences.

If you want to be part of a team that cares about the ocean, takes seafood seriously, supports its people, and gives back to its community, you’re in the right place.

Find out more about what it’s like to work at Rockfish www.therockfish.co.uk