Sous Chef (Casual)

Novatech Ltd; West Dean; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid breaks

Free meal on qualifying shifts

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Novatech Ltd is seeking a passionate Sous Chef to join our casual kitchen team at West Dean, West Sussex. This hands-on role supports day-to-day running across the estate, working with the Food Production Manager to deliver high-quality meals for students, visitors and guests.

You will supervise or support the kitchen team, ensuring food quality, presentation and safety standards. You will assist with menu planning, production, stock control and waste minimisation, with flexible shifts as

Qualifications

• Experience at a similar level of responsibility in a busy kitchen.
• Able to supervise or support a catering team.
• Understanding of food costing and stock management.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day running of kitchens across the estate.
• Help deliver high-quality food to students, visitors and guests.
• Contribute to menu planning, food production, stock control and cost management.

Skills

Experience as sous chef

Team supervision

Food hygiene knowledge

Education

Food safety / HACCP training

Tools

Stock management

Menu planning

Job description

Sous Chef (Casual)

Location: West Dean, West Sussex
Contract: Casual
Hours: As and when required
Pay: £16.31 per hour, plus 12.07% holiday pay

About the Role

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Sous Chef to join our casual kitchen team at West Dean.

This is a hands‑on role supporting the day‑to‑day running of our kitchens across the estate. Working closely with the Food Production Manager and kitchen team, you will help deliver high-quality food to students, visitors and guests across a range of outlets, including the College Dining Room, Gardens Kitchen, Tea Rooms and private events.

You will support the supervision and development of the kitchen team, helping to maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, customer service, food hygiene and health and safety. You will also contribute to menu planning, food production, stock control and cost management, while helping to minimise waste and make the most of seasonal produce from the West Dean Gardens.

This is a varied and flexible opportunity to work in a creative food environment, with shifts available as and when required.

About You

You will be an experienced and enthusiastic chef with experience working at a similar level of responsibility. You will have a passion for food, strong kitchen knowledge and the ability to maintain high standards in a busy and varied environment.

You will be organised, adaptable and a confident communicator, with the ability to work collaboratively and support other members of the team. You will ideally have experience of supervising or supporting a catering team, alongside an understanding of food costing, stock management and kitchen operations.

You will have a proactive and flexible approach, with a commitment to high standards of food hygiene, health and safety and customer service. Relevant food hygiene and allergen awareness training is desirable, although training can be provided where required.

What We Offer

£16.31 per hour, plus 12.07% holiday pay

Paid breaks, a free meal on qualifying shifts and free on‑site parking at our Sussex site.

The opportunity to work across a unique and varied estate, supporting a range of food outlets, events and visitor experiences.

Deadline for applications: 10 September 2026

Interview date to be confirmed.