Sous Chef

Plaza Khao Gaeng; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lunch for 2 after probation

Up to 50% off dining across JKS

CODE App membership

discounted gym membership

24/7 Doctor & prescription services

8 free counselling sessions

Employee Assistance Program

Health, legal, money and debt support

Job summary

Plaza Khao Gaeng in Covent Garden is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to lead the kitchen within an award-winning group. You will drive high-quality, innovative dishes and assist in menu development, working closely with the Head Chef to manage prep, stock and staffing.

The role requires a passion for Asian/Thai cuisine, strong awareness of seasonal produce, and a creative approach with attention to detail. Join a dynamic team and contribute to the restaurant's continued success.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or Junior Sous Chef in a high quality restaurant.
• A passion for Asian or Thai cuisine.
• Strong awareness of trends and seasonality of produce.
• A highly creative approach to your work with excellent attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage, train and motivate a Kitchen brigade.
• Experience scheduling and reviewing staff rotas.
• A working knowledge of health and safety, compliance and procedures.

Responsibilities

• As Sous Chef, you will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of consistent, high quality and innovative dishes.
• You will play a key role in menu development and work closely with the Head Chef.
• You will assist in managing the overall kitchen operation, including prep schedules, stock control, budgeting and maintenance.
• You will be involved in day-to-day management of the kitchen team.

Skills

Sous Chef experience

Thai/Asian cuisine

Food trends awareness

Creativity

Kitchen team management

Staff rotas scheduling

Health & safety knowledge

Job description

Experience - Previous experience as Sous Chef or Junior Sous Chef within a quality restaurant. Knowledge of Thai/Asian cuisine is preferred but not essential

JKS Restaurants and Plaza Khao Gaeng are seeking a Sous Chef to help lead their kitchen at our site in Covent Garden. The successful candidate will have a passion for Asian/Thai cuisine and previous experience as a Sous Chef.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Sous Chef looking for a new role in an award winning, critically acclaimed group.

The Restaurant

Plaza Khao Gaeng celebrates Thailand’s coast-to-jungle cooking through the tradition of khao gaeng, broadly translated as “curry over rice”. Expect a kaleidoscope of curries rich with fresh coconut milk, aromatic curry pastes and fermented seasonings, alongside searingly hot stir-fries cooled with fresh herbs - all designed for mixing, matching and sharing.

In Thailand, the most popular khao gaeng restaurants expand to fill whatever space they can. Plaza takes inspiration from one such spot in Bangkok, now spread through an old cinema, where curries sit in gleaming trays beneath a faded façade and climb the stairs to the former box office. This is anytime comfort food: a pause from the heat, noise and movement of the street outside.

Our third Plaza Khao Gaeng opened in Covent Garden in May, turning to Thailand’s deep south - the historic borderlands of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and beyond. Anchored by a large charcoal grill, the menu draws together smoke, spice and acidity in a generous, khao gaeng-style spread made for the table - our most Southern menu yet, inspired by rural kitchens.

The Position

As Sous Chef, you will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of consistent, high quality and innovative dishes throughout the operation. You will play a key role in menu development, working closely with the Head Chef; you will assist in managing the overall kitchen operation, including prep schedules, stock control, budgeting and maintenance, as well as the day to day management of the kitchen team.

If you have the following, then we want to hear from you:

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or Junior Sous Chef in a high quality restaurant;
• A passion for Asian or Thai cuisine;
• Strong awareness of trends and seasonality of produce;
• A highly creative approach to your work with excellent attention to detail;
• Proven ability to manage, train and motivate a Kitchen brigade;
• Experience scheduling and reviewing staff rotas;
• A working knowledge of health and safety, compliance and procedures;

This is a very exciting opportunity not to be missed for a talented Sous Chef eager to join a restaurant group with ambitious plans.

At Chaiyo, we believe in a culture that truly backs our people. Hospitality is a people industry, and we're committed to rewarding the hard work and loyalty that makes us who we are.

Award-Winning Workplace

• Recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026

Dining & Hospitality

• Lunch for 2 after probation
• Up to 50% off dining across JKS restaurants
• CODE App membership - Discount at some of the UK's best restaurants
• Discounted gym membership with up to 25% off at 4,000+ venues across the UK
• 24/7 Doctor & prescription services for peace of mind healthcare
• 8 free counselling sessions to support your mental wellbeing
• Employee Assistance Program providing confidential support when you need it
• Health, legal, money and debt support services available

Entertainment

• Up to 55% off cinema tickets
• Up to 25% off UK attractions (London Eye, Thorpe Park, SEA LIFE, and more)
• Up to 15% cashback at 70+ major retailers across the UK
• Wagestream - stream a portion of your pay earlier when you need it
• Access to financial advice to help with your financial planning
• Company donations for your involvement with charities

Special Occasions & Recognition

• Wedding gift & newborn care package - celebrating your big occasions
• Staff parties & long service awards recognising your commitment
• Employee referral scheme - earn up to £600 per referral
• Additional holiday for every year with us (rising to 30 days)

The Group

JKS Restaurants was founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi in November 2008. Since its inception, the group has received critical acclaim and industry recognition, including 8 Michelin stars, 4 Michelin Bib Gourmands, a restaurant ranked among the World’s 100 Best Restaurants, and a spot in the Sunday Times Best 100 Places to Work 2026.

The JKS portfolio currently features Michelin-starred restaurants such as Trishna, Gymkhana, Kitchen Table, Sabor, Legado and Ambassadors Clubhouse; along with cult favourites Hoppers, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar, and Bibi.

JKS Restaurants offers a unique opportunity to pursue a career in fine dining or to develop within trend-focused casual cuisine, with opportunities across all disciplines for those looking to advance their careers within a people-focused, collaborative hospitality group.