Sous Chef

Loungers; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Overtime pay

Free meals on shift

Staff discount 50%

Career progression

Early pay access

Loungefest staff party

Job summary

Loungers is hiring a full-time Sous Chef for Calvero Lounge, joining our kitchen team. This experienced role supports the Head Chef and leads shifts to ensure smooth service, with a strong focus on quality, hygiene and speed from prep to plate.

The package includes a competitive base salary with bonus, paid overtime, progression opportunities and staff benefits from day one.

Qualifications

• Passionate cook who takes pride in fresh ingredients and consistent quality.
• Reliable and punctual with a strong work ethic.
• Leads by example, supports the team and maintains high standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen shifts with confidence, keeping service smooth from prep to final plate.
• Support the Head Chef, stepping in during absences and maintaining strong results.
• Set tone for high standards on the pass, ensuring quality, pace, hygiene and safety.
• Own key routines: prep, par, stock control, waste, orders, and shift handovers.
• Coach and develop the team to deliver excellent food each shift.

Job description

We're hiring a full-time Sous Chef to be part of the kitchen team atCalvero Lounge, a local café bar. Part of Loungers, proudly named Casual Dining Group of the Year 2026. With competitive salary, plus bonus, paid overtime and real progression opportunities, this is a great next step for an experienced hospitality sous chef, second chef or junior sous chef.

About the Sous Chef Role

Lounges are pretty special places, and what makes them so special is the brilliant people who work in them.

What’s in it For You?

• Competitive base salary + bonus + overtime
• Permanent full-time role; 48-hour contract (40-hour contract option available)
• Overtime pay for every hour worked
• Achievable bonus scheme, paid twice a year
• Tips shared equally across the team, based on hours worked
• Free meal on every shift no matter the length
• Christmas and Boxing Day off
• Genuine career development with our in-house training courses and ‘Step-Up’ to GM/HC development programmes
• 50% discount on food and drinks from day one. Including alcohol across all our brands (Lounge, Cosy Club, & Brightside) from day one
• The most talked-about staff party in hospitality — Loungefest!
• Long service awards – Vouchers/Extra money
• Early access to your pay with Stream
• Emotional and practical support via the Licensed Trade Charity

What you’ll Do

• Lead kitchen shifts with confidence, keeping service smooth, organised and on spec from prep through to the final plate
• Be the Head Chef’s right hand — supporting day-to-day operations, stepping up in their absence, and helping the kitchen deliver consistently strong results
• Set the tone for high standards on the pass, with a sharp eye for food quality, pace, cleanliness, hygiene and safety
• Take ownership of key kitchen routines including prep and par, stock control, waste, orders and effective shift handovers
• Coach and support the team around you, helping new and existing chefs build confidence, grow their skills and deliver great food every shift

What You’ll Bring

• A passionate cook who takes real pride in fresh ingredients, clean specs, and food that goes out right every single time
• Someone the team can count on — you show up, you're on time, and you give it everything when you're there
• Someone who leads by example in the kitchen — setting the standard on the pass, supporting the team, and never cutting corners
• Confident taking ownership of a shift in the Head Chef's absence, from prep and par to stock management and shift handovers
• A team player who helps coach and develop the chefs around them and genuinely wants to see them improve
• Experience as a Sous Chef, Junior Sous Chef, or a talented Chef de Partie ready to take their next step