Sous Chef

Exeter Chiefs; Exeter; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Discounted or free food

Staff discounts

On-site parking

Job summary

Exeter Chiefs are seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join the in-house kitchen team at Sandy Park, Exeter. You will lead the kitchen on functions, work with the head chef and senior sous chef, and use high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The role offers a balanced schedule with minimal late evenings and no split shifts.

You will manage tasks, train staff, and ensure food safety and budget controls across in-house dining and large events, including match days and banqueting.

Qualifications

• At least two years' experience as a sous chef.
• Level 3 food hygiene.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Professional, well presented and hardworking.
• Able to work under pressure and unsupervised.

Responsibilities

• Make sure all catering at Sandy Park is prepared and delivered to a high standard
• Manage and allocate tasks to the kitchen team
• Oversee sections within the main kitchen and function service points
• Lead functions and make sure standards are upheld
• Help train kitchen staff and manage day-to-day performance and attendance
• Ensure food safety, fire and health and safety regulations are followed
• Keep tight stock control to achieve the expected GP% and work within budget

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Pressure management

Team management

Education

Level 3 Food Hygiene

Job description

Exeter Chiefs are looking for an experienced Sous Chef to join the in-house kitchen team at Sandy Park, home of the club and an award-winning banqueting and conference centre.

The Role

All catering at Sandy Park is done in house, from dining for 15 guests up to 600, and match days that can see 1,200 hospitality guests and more than 13,000 visitors. You will lead the kitchen team on functions and work closely with the head chef and senior sous chef, using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The role offers a better work-life balance than many chef roles, with minimal late evenings and no split shifts.

Key Responsibilities

• Make sure all catering at Sandy Park is prepared and delivered to a high standard
• Manage and allocate tasks to the kitchen team
• Oversee sections within the main kitchen and function service points
• Lead functions and make sure standards are upheld
• Help train kitchen staff and manage day-to-day performance and attendance
• Ensure food safety, fire and health and safety regulations are followed
• Keep tight stock control to achieve the expected GP% and work within budget

About You

• At least two years' experience as a sous chef
• Level 3 food hygiene
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Professional, well presented and hard working
• Able to work under pressure and unsupervised

Key Details

• Location: Sandy Park, Exeter, Devon (must be able to commute or relocate before starting)
• Contract: Full time, fixed term
• Hours: 48 hours per week, five days out of seven, including weekends and bank holidays
• Salary: £34,000 – £36,000
• Benefits: Company pension, discounted or free food, staff discounts and on-site parking
• Closing date: 1 November 2026