Sous Chef

Rockfish Budleigh; Exmouth; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Food discount 50%

Online seafood market discount 10%

Referral rewards

Birthday day off

Paid holidays 28 days

Pension enrolment

Team meals

Job summary

Rockfish Budleigh is recruiting a Sous Chef to lead a busy seafood kitchen in one of the UK’s most beautiful coastal towns. You’ll cook exceptional seafood dishes, inspire a talented kitchen team, and support the Head Chef in managing kitchen operations.

You’ll maintain high standards in food safety, stock control, and waste management while collaborating with front-of-house to deliver unforgettable dining experiences. Progression is supported across all locations.

Responsibilities

• Cook exceptional seafood dishes to Rockfish standards.
• Lead and inspire a kitchen team and support the Head Chef.
• Maintain food safety, stock control, and waste management.
• Collaborate with front-of-house to deliver unforgettable dining experiences.

Skills

Team leadership

Food safety

Stock control

Cost management

Waste management

Kitchen operations

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’ll be working in one of the UK’s most beautiful coastal towns, with stunning views, working with a team that care about the ocean, sustainability, quality and 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 per annum basic plus approximately £3.5k tronc 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!
• We’re 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