Sous Chef

Greene King; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Brand discounts

Employee assistance program

Enhanced maternity/paternity policies

Menopause Friendly Employer

Greene King Inns discounts

Refer a friend bonus

Wagestream access

Retail discounts

Job summary

C Café Royal in Edinburgh seeks a Sous Chef to work with the Head Chef, delivering consistently exceptional food and guiding one of Edinburgh’s most respected kitchen teams.

You will manage day-to-day kitchen operations, lead service, mentor junior chefs, and uphold the high standards Café Royal is renowned for. The successful candidate shows passion for fresh ingredients and pride in craft.

Qualifications

• Experience in premium fresh food restaurant or gastropub.
• Passion for cooking with high-quality seasonal ingredients, especially seafood.
• Strong leadership skills with ability to motivate and develop a kitchen team.
• Excellent organizational skills with a calm approach during busy services.
• Commitment to consistency, quality, and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead service and support menu delivery to uphold high standards.
• Mentor junior chefs and develop kitchen staff.
• Maintain exceptional standards across all dishes and services.
• Oversee day-to-day operation of the kitchen in partnership with Head Chef.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and guest dining experience.

Skills

Leadership

Premium fresh food

Seafood knowledge

Menu execution

Mentoring juniors

Quality standards

Job description

The Role

As Sous Chef, you'll work alongside the Head Chef to deliver consistently exceptional food while helping to lead one of Edinburgh's most respected kitchen teams.

You’ll play an integral role in the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, ensuring every dish reflects the high standards Café Royal has become known for. From leading service and supporting menu delivery to mentoring junior chefs and maintaining exceptional standards, you’ll be a driving force behind every guest experience.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a chef who is passionate about fresh produce, thrives in a quality-led environment, and takes genuine pride in their craft.

Company Description

Join one of Edinburgh's most iconic dining destinations

For generations, Café Royal has been one of Edinburgh's most celebrated restaurants. Renowned for its magnificent Victorian interiors, rich history, and exceptional hospitality, it has become a destination for both locals and visitors seeking outstanding food in truly unforgettable surroundings.

From our famous oyster bar and locally landed Scottish seafood to beautifully prepared seasonal dishes and an expertly curated drinks list, every element of the Café Royal experience is built on quality, authenticity, and attention to detail.

We’re proud of our heritage, but never stand still. Every service is an opportunity to exceed expectations, and we’re now looking for a talented Sous Chef to help lead our kitchen into its next chapter.

Additional Information

We’re all about rewarding our team’s hard work, that’s why…

You’ll receive a competitive salary, pension contribution as well as:

• The chance to further your career across our well-known brands – as one of the industry's top apprenticeship providers, we can provide training and development at each level of your career.
• Discount of 33% for you and 15% for your loved ones on all of our brands – so you enjoy your favourite food and drink at a discount.
• Free employee assistance program – mental health, well-being, financial, and legal support because you matter!
• Enhanced, family-friendly maternity and paternity policies
• Menopause Friendly Employer
• Discount of 50% for you and 25% for your loved ones at our Greene King Inns and hotels – so you can enjoy a weekend away without breaking the bank.
• Refer a friend – who do you know who could be interested in a new role? When they are placed, you could earn up to £1,500 for referring them!
• Wagestream – access your wage before payday for when life happens.
• Retail discounts – Receive up to 30% off at Superdrug, exclusive discounts with Three Mobile along with many more…

CREATING PLACES WHERE PEOPLE FEEL WELCOME, SAFE AND THAT THEY BELONG

We aim to embed inclusion into every decision we make – across our people, customers, communities, suppliers, and operations. We want to create a culture where everyone feels welcome, valued, and able to thrive.

Qualifications

What we’re looking for

We’re searching for a Sous Chef who combines strong technical ability with a passion for exceptional hospitality.

You’ll ideally have:

• Experience working in a premium fresh food restaurant or gastropub
• A passion for cooking with high-quality seasonal ingredients, particularly seafood
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and develop a kitchen team
• Excellent organisational skills with a calm approach during busy services
• A commitment to consistency, quality, and exceptional presentation
• A positive, collaborative attitude and pride in maintaining the highest standards

Most importantly, you’ll share our passion for creating memorable dining experiences through outstanding food and genuine teamwork.

Why Café Royal?

Café Royal offers far more than a Sous Chef role—it offers the opportunity to become part of one of Scotland's most iconic hospitality venues.

You’ll work within a stunning historic restaurant where craftsmanship, quality ingredients, and exceptional service have been celebrated for generations. It's an environment that encourages continuous learning, values creativity, and rewards those who take pride in their profession.

Whether you're refining classic techniques, working with outstanding Scottish produce, or helping develop the next generation of chefs, you’ll be joining a kitchen with an exceptional reputation and an exciting future.