Sous Chef

The Cow and Sow; West of England; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cow and Sow in the United Kingdom is seeking an energetic Sous Chef to join our farmshop and kitchen team. You will work closely with the Head Chef to deliver high-quality dishes using seasonal, local produce and help lead the kitchen during service.

Hands-on cooking, staff development and maintaining food safety standards are key parts of the role. This position offers a hands-on environment with opportunities to influence daily specials and menu planning.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Junior Sous Chef or experienced Chef de Partie.
• A genuine passion for cooking, quality food and seasonal ingredients.
• Strong knowledge of professional kitchen operations and cooking techniques.
• Experience working in a busy kitchen environment.
• Good understanding of food safety, hygiene and allergen procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef with the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
• Help lead and motivate the kitchen team, creating a positive and professional working environment.
• Take responsibility for the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence when required.
• Prepare, cook and present dishes to a consistently high standard.
• Ensure all kitchen sections are properly prepared and ready for service.
• Work closely with the Head Chef to deliver seasonal menus and specials.
• Make the most of fresh, seasonal and locally sourced produce, including ingredients from our own farm where available.
• Support menu development and bring ideas and creativity to the kitchen.
• Maintain excellent standards of food quality, presentation, portion control and consistency.
• Monitor stock levels, supporting ordering and ensuring effective stock rotation.
• Help to minimise food waste and maintain good kitchen cost control.
• Support the training, development and mentoring of junior chefs and kitchen team members.
• Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene, allergen and health & safety standards.
• Ensure the kitchen is clean, organised and operating efficiently at all times.
• Lead by example during busy services and remaining calm, organised and hands-on.

Skills

Cooking

Team leadership

Food safety

Menu development

Job description

Launching September 2026

We're looking for an energetic, passionate, and talented Sous Chef to join our farmshop & kitchen team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about great food, seasonal cooking and local produce, and who wants to play an important role in creating an exciting food destination that people love to visit.

Working closely with our Head Chef, you'll help lead the kitchen team and ensure consistently high standards of food preparation, cooking and presentation. You'll be hands-on in the kitchen, supporting the Head Chef with service, team development and the smooth running of the kitchen.

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting the Head Chef with the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
• Helping to lead and motivate the kitchen team, creating a positive and professional working environment.
• Taking responsibility for the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence when required.
• Preparing, cooking and presenting dishes to a consistently high standard.
• Ensuring all kitchen sections are properly prepared and ready for service.
• Working closely with the Head Chef to deliver seasonal menus and specials.
• Making the most of fresh, seasonal and locally sourced produce, including ingredients from our own farm where available.
• Supporting menu development and bringing ideas and creativity to the kitchen.
• Maintaining excellent standards of food quality, presentation, portion control and consistency.
• Monitoring stock levels, supporting ordering and ensuring effective stock rotation.
• Helping to minimise food waste and maintain good kitchen cost control.
• Supporting the training, development and mentoring of junior chefs and kitchen team members.
• Maintaining excellent food safety, hygiene, allergen and health & safety standards.
• Ensuring the kitchen is clean, organised and operating efficiently at all times.
• Leading by example during busy services and remaining calm, organised and hands-on.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Junior Sous Chef or experienced Chef de Partie.
• A genuine passion for cooking, quality food and seasonal ingredients.
• Strong knowledge of professional kitchen operations and cooking techniques.
• Experience working in a busy kitchen environment.
• Good understanding of food safety, hygiene and allergen procedures.
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