Sous Chef

SUMI Notting Hill; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals on duty

Employee discounts across restaurants

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

SUMI Notting Hill is seeking a proactive Sous Chef to join our senior kitchen team. You will work with the Head Chef to lead the kitchen, ensure every dish follows recipes and standards, and collaborate across sushi and front of house to deliver consistent quality.

We value strong leadership, a calm under pressure, and a keen interest in Japanese cuisine. The role offers progression opportunities within Creative Restaurant Group and includes staff meals and dining discounts.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef in a quality restaurant.
• Japanese or robata experience is a real advantage.
• Excellent technical skills and a sharp eye for detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen alongside the Head Chef and run it in their absence.
• Run the pass and ensure every dish leaves to recipe and standard.
• Lead, train and develop the brigade, from Commis to Junior Sous Chef.
• Contribute to menu development, tastings and seasonal changes.
• Manage ordering, stock control, supplier relationships and waste.
• Help manage food costs and gross profit targets.
• Plan rotas and support recruitment for the kitchen team.
• Lead on food safety, hygiene, HACCP and allergen procedures.
• Run briefings and maintain clear communication with front of house.
• Work closely with the sushi team to keep service seamless.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Attention to detail

Food safety knowledge

Allergen management

Job description

Sous Chef - SUMI, Notting Hill

SUMI opened on Westbourne Grove in 2021 and has become one of Notting Hill's most loved neighbourhood restaurants. Created by renowned sushi master Endo Kazutoshi and part of Creative Restaurant Group, SUMI serves nigiri, temaki and dishes from the robata grill, with warm, genuine hospitality at its heart. We're looking for a Sous Chef to join our senior kitchen team and grow with us.

The Role

As Sous Chef, you will work closely with the Head Chef to lead the kitchen and keep standards high across every section, every service. Our menu brings together sushi, small plates and dishes cooked over the robata grill, all built on the finest seasonal ingredients. You will run the pass, develop your team and help shape the menu, working as one team with the sushi and front of house teams to deliver food our regulars keep coming back for.

This is a brilliant opportunity for an experienced chef who wants to lead a busy neighbourhood kitchen within a growing group.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading the kitchen alongside the Head Chef and running it in their absence
• Running the pass and making sure every dish leaves to recipe and standard
• Leading, training and developing the brigade, from Commis to Junior Sous Chef
• Contributing to menu development, tastings and seasonal changes
• Managing ordering, stock control, supplier relationships and waste
• Helping manage food costs and gross profit targets
• Planning rotas and supporting recruitment for the kitchen team
• Leading on food safety, hygiene, HACCP and allergen procedures
• Running briefings and keeping clear communication with front of house
• Working closely with the sushi team to keep service seamless

What We're Looking For

Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef in a quality restaurant is essential. Japanese or robata experience is a real advantage.

You will need:

• Excellent technical skills and a sharp eye for detail
• A real respect for produce and an interest in Japanese cuisine
• Proven experience leading, training and motivating a kitchen team
• A calm, organised approach under pressure
• A good understanding of food costs, ordering and kitchen admin
• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP and allergen management
• Clear communication and a team first attitude
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays

Salary:

£50,000 per year, plus benefits

Why Join Us?

At Creative Restaurant Group, we want people to build careers, not simply fill roles. You will lead alongside an experienced kitchen team inspired by Chef Endo. As your skills develop, you'll have genuine opportunities to progress into Senior Sous Chef and Head Chef positions across the group.

• Lead the kitchen at one of Notting Hill's most loved neighbourhood restaurants
• Real input into menu development
• Clear opportunities for career progression
• The chance to grow across Creative Restaurant Group, including ENDO, Kioku and HUMO
• Staff meals while on duty
• Employee discounts across participating restaurants

Bring your skill, leadership and attention to detail to SUMI Notting Hill, and help us create food our guests remember.

Note: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without corporate sponsorship.