Sous Chef

Sterling Cross; Burgess Hill; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A highly regarded restaurant in Burgess Hill is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to lead the kitchen team. You will work closely with the Head Chef on high-quality, seasonal dishes while mentoring junior chefs and ensuring compliance with health regulations. The ideal candidate will have a passion for fresh ingredients, strong leadership skills, and experience in quality dining environments. This role offers a competitive salary and a supportive working atmosphere.

Benefits

£40,000-£45,000 per annum

Weekly tips & performance-related bonuses

2.5 days off per week

Development across kitchen operations

Qualifications

• Solid experience in quality restaurants or gastro pubs.
• Calm and confident approach to high‑pressure service.
• Passion for seasonal, fresh produce and creative menu ideas.
• Proven leadership skills with team inspiration ability.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage a section independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the kitchen team alongside the Head Chef.
• Prepare and present high-standard fresh dishes.
• Oversee service, maintain quality control, manage kitchen sections.
• Train and mentor junior chefs.
• Manage ordering, stock control, and budget targets.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety and food hygiene.
• Take charge of the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence.
• Collaborate with Front of House teams.
• Assist with menu development.

Skills

Leadership

Creativity

Attention to detail

Calm under pressure

Organisational skills

Job description

West Sussex | Burgess Hill | High-Quality Independent Restaurant | Fresh, Seasonal Dining

We're recruiting for an exceptional Sous Chef to join one of West Sussex's most highly regarded independent restaurants. This 150-cover venue is renowned for its fresh, seasonal menus and commitment to using top-quality local produce. You'll be joining a talented brigade in a supportive, family‑run environment that values creativity, professionalism and work‑life balance.

The Role

As Sous Chef, you'll play a key leadership role within the kitchen, working closely with the Head Chef to maintain exceptional standards and drive the kitchen forward. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and motivating the kitchen team alongside the Head Chef


• Preparing, cooking, and presenting fresh dishes to a consistently high standard


• Overseeing service, maintaining quality control and managing kitchen sections


• Training and mentoring junior chefs, supporting their development


• Managing ordering, stock control and contributing to GP and budget targets


• Ensuring full compliance with health & safety and food hygiene regulations


• Taking charge of the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence


• Working collaboratively with Front of House teams


• Assisting with menu development and seasonal specials

About You

We're looking for an experienced Sous Chef who embodies professionalism, creativity and resilience. The ideal candidate will have:

• Solid experience in quality restaurants or gastro pubs


• A calm, confident approach to high‑pressure service


• A passion for seasonal, fresh produce and creative menu ideas


• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and support a team


• Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail


• Ability to manage a section independently while supporting wider kitchen operations

What's on Offer

• A£40,000-A£45,000 per annum


• Weekly tips & performance-related bonuses


• 2.5 days off per week and reasonable finish times


• Opportunity to work with high-quality fresh ingredients, cooked to order


• A supportive, family-run environment with a strong team culture


• Development across all areas of the kitchen, including GP and budgeting skills

If you're an ambitious, motivated Sous Chef seeking a role that offers creative freedom, stability and genuine career progression within a respected independent venue, we'd love to hear from you.