Sous Chef

John Lewis & Partners; Northampton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company seeks a Sous Chef to lead their kitchen team in Northampton. You'll ensure high-quality culinary experiences and food safety compliance while training staff and managing food costs. The role offers opportunities for creativity and team development in a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Job sharing options

Shorter contracts available

Qualifications

• Experience leading a team in a commercial kitchen environment.
• Professional qualifications in food safety required.

Responsibilities

• Train and develop team members in food preparation.
• Lead team to maintain food safety compliance.
• Assist Head Chef in planning and delivering food offerings.
• Conduct daily compliance checks and manage food costs.

Skills

Food Safety

Team Leadership

Food Preparation

Compliance Management

Education

Food Safety Level 3

City & Guilds diplomas

BTEC HNC

Job description

About the role

As a Sous Chef, you'll work as part of our friendly kitchen team to ensure the efficient daily operation of our kitchens and assist in providing a high-quality dining experience. You'll lead and inspire the kitchen team to create exceptional culinary experiences, using your creativity to develop and execute a food offer that meets high standards of quality, innovation, cost control, health, and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Train and develop team members in all aspects of food preparation.
• Lead the team to maintain food safety compliance at all times.
• Assist the Head Chef in planning, producing, and delivering food offerings and presentation standards.
• Ensure compliance with legislative requirements, including allergens.
• Manage food offer availability and support the front of house team in upselling to meet sales targets.
• Control food and payroll costs and minimize wastage.
• Conduct daily compliance checks, including fridge temperatures, cleaning schedules, chemical use, PPE, H&S, business dress, and customer service standards.

Essential skills/experience

• Food Safety Level 3 or relevant professional chef qualifications (City & Guilds diplomas, BTEC HNC, or equivalent).
• Proven experience leading a team in a commercial kitchen environment.

Desirable skills/experience

• Skilled influencer, motivator, and coach.
• Previous experience as a Senior Chef in a similar venue.

About The Partnership

We're the largest employee-owned business in the UK, home to John Lewis and Waitrose. As Partners, we share ownership and responsibility, working together to build a better future. We focus on retail excellence, innovation, and diversification, and are committed to kindness, respect, and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Additional Information

Some roles may require pre-employment vetting, including DBS checks and financial probity assessments. We encourage prompt application as vacancies can close early. We support flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance, including flexible hours, job sharing, or shorter contracts. Please discuss your preferences during the interview process.