Sous Chef

Select Appointments; Tetford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Select Appointments is seeking a Sous Chef for a busy Garden Centre Café. You will work alongside the Head Chef to deliver consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and hygiene, and you will lead, support and motivate the wider kitchen team to ensure smooth service.

This full-time role is 42.5 hours per week with alternate weekends and occasional Friday evenings. Salary ranges from £30,000 to £35,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Experience as Sous Chef or Senior Chef in a busy kitchen.
• Confident under pressure with high standards.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Support Head Chef with day-to-day kitchen management.
• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team.
• Prepare and cook high-quality food to high standards.
• Maintain food hygiene and safety standards at all times.
• Assist with stock control, ordering and minimising waste.
• Manage kitchen rotas and staffing levels.
• Maintain a clean, organised kitchen and support menu development.

Skills

Sous Chef

Leadership

Kitchen management

Team player

Food hygiene

Job description

Sous Chef – Garden Centre Café

Salary: £30,000–£35,000 per annum, depending on experience
Hours: 42.5 hours per week
Contract: Full-time
Working pattern: Alternate weekends

About the Role

My client is looking for a reliable, motivated and experienced Sous Chef to join their busy garden centre kitchen team.

Working alongside the Head Chef, you will play a key role in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, helping to deliver consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and hygiene. You will also lead, support and motivate the wider kitchen team, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the kitchen throughout each service.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced chef who is ready to take the next step in their career within a friendly and fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef with the day-to-day management and operation of the kitchen.
• Help lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team.
• Prepare and cook high-quality food to consistently high standards.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented to the required standard.
• Maintain excellent food hygiene, health and safety standards at all times.
• Assist with stock control, ordering and minimising food waste.
• Help manage kitchen rotas and ensure appropriate staffing levels.
• Maintain a clean, organised and efficient kitchen.
• Support the Head Chef with menu preparation and development where required.
• Take responsibility for the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence.
• Ensure kitchen procedures and food safety regulations are consistently followed.

About You

The ideal candidate will:

• Have previous experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef in a busy kitchen.
• Be confident working under pressure while maintaining high standards.
• Have strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Be reliable, hardworking and able to work well as part of a team.
• Have a genuine passion for food and delivering a great customer experience.
• Have excellent attention to detail and a positive, can-do attitude.
• Have a good understanding of food hygiene and kitchen health and safety requirements.
• Be flexible and comfortable working alternate weekends and occasional evening shifts.

Shift Pattern

The role is 42.5 hours per week, with a mixture of:

• 8:00am–5:00pm
• 9:00am–6:00pm
• Two Friday evening shifts per month: 11:00am–8:00pm

The role also includes alternate weekend working.

What We’re Looking For

Above all, we are looking for someone who is dependable, enthusiastic and takes pride in their work. You will be an important part of the kitchen leadership team, helping to create a positive working environment while ensuring our customers receive consistently excellent food and service.