Sous Chef

Creative Gardens (NI) Limited; Bushmills; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading café operator in Northern Ireland is seeking a Sous Chef to assist the Head Chef in running a high-standard kitchen. Responsibilities include preparing food according to recipes, ensuring compliance with health procedures, and training staff. Candidates must have at least a year of relevant experience, excellent communication skills, and an up-to-date Food Hygiene certificate. This role offers a competitive work schedule of 35-40 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of relevant work experience in a kitchen environment.
• Good knowledge of environmental health policies and HACCP.
• Proficient in communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food in line with recipes and standards.
• Oversee stock rotation and minimize food wastage.
• Assist Head Chef with training new staff.

Skills

One-year relevant work experience

Knowledge of environmental health procedures

Excellent communication skills

Ability to adapt to changing circumstances

Valid driving license

Physical stamina

Ability to motivate a team

Two or more years' experience in similar role

Up-to-date Food Hygiene certificate

Relevant catering or cooking qualification

Experience in mentoring team members

Experience with food costings and menu development

Education

Catering or cooking certificate

Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

Our Sous Chef will assist our Head Chef with the running of our kitchen and will help ensure that food is produced in accordance with Creative Gardens menus and food policies. Food must be produced to a very high standard with excellent presentation.Please see employer website for full job details & person specification.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food in accordance with Creative Gardens recipes, menus and food policies to ensure we achieve consistency between our 4 centres.
• Be aware and fully understand food allergies and intolerances.
• Follow through seasonal menu changes and recipes, maintaining the style of food our loyal customers are used to.
• Communicate effectively with other staff and to work well as part of a team or individually.
• Cover at any of our cafes sites (paid travel time).
• Help ensure the kitchen team are attending to customer orders as promptly as possible and ensure food is served to customers in a minimum time.
• Help oversee stock rotation, make sure stock is fresh and used by its date, ordering food in line with Creative Gardens suppliers all while ensuring wastage is kept to a minimum.
• Assist in reporting equipment maintenance issues promptly.
• Assist with ensuring the kitchen procedures and records are maintained to the high standards required, in line with H&S procedures, HACCP plan and in accordance with Environmental Health requirements and legislation.
• Assist Head chef with training new and current staff members.
• Undertake future and refresher training as appropriate.
• Undertake any other reasonable catering duties such as working in and helping with our baking department etc.

Skills and Qualifications

• Has at least one-year relevant work experience.
• Has good knowledge of environmental health procedures, HACCP and relevant written records.
• Proficient in both verbal and written communication facilitating clear and effective interaction with staff and management. Has excellent communication skills to help lead a team.
• Demonstrates the ability to adapt to changing circumstances as well as the ability to handle various responsibilities within a cafe setting. Be able to work well under pressure and manage your time effectively.
• Holds relevant in date driving licence as will be required to travel to our other centres.
• Capable of performing required tasks such as bending, stooping, lifting heavy objects, and standing for extended periods.
• Capable of motivating a team effectively and leading the team in the absence of the Head chef, by setting clear expectations and fostering a positive work atmosphere.
• Holds two or more years’ experience within a similar role and setting.
• Hold an up-to-date Food Hygiene certificate.
• Holds a relevant catering or cooking certificate or qualification.
• Has experience of mentoring and coaching team members.
• To have experience with food costings and menu development.

Further Information

Work Time: Available to work 35 - 40 hours per week, on a rota basis, to include weekends.We have a 5 star café style kitchen. We are proud to make home style meals without adding preservatives and we have plans to expand our retail range which is sold in our shops.

Area: All of Northern Ireland
Closing date: 16 Jan 2026

Area: All of Northern Ireland
Closing date: 19 Jan 2026