Sous Chef - Leeds City Centre - Independant Italian - £43k Inc Tips

Chefs for Chefs Ltd; Leeds; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on duty

Staff dining discount

Sundays off

Mondays off

Pension (NEST)

Job summary

Chefs Ltd in Leeds city centre is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join a small, busy kitchen. You will work alongside the Head Chef to manage day‑to‑day operations, maintain high standards, and lead service when required in a warm, guest‑focused environment.

The role offers a clear pathway for progression as the business expands with plans for a new opening next year, while enjoying a supportive team and a role that values quality and consistency.

Qualifications

• Experience as Sous Chef or in a senior chef role.
• Strong understanding of fresh food and kitchen operations.
• Italian cuisine experience is a plus and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver fresh dishes to consistently high standards.
• Support the Head Chef with daily kitchen operations.
• Lead service when required and take responsibility for the kitchen.
• Maintain food hygiene, cleanliness and organisation.
• Ensure consistency in preparation, presentation and portions.
• Support and motivate the kitchen team.
• Foster a positive, collaborative working environment.
• Contribute ideas to the business growth.

Skills

Sous Chef experience

Team leadership

Italian cuisine

Attention to detail

Independent working

Reliability

Guest experience

Job description

Sous Chef

Leeds City Centre | £43,000k inclusive of Tronc

Full-time | Permanent

The Benefits

• £43,000 annual package, inclusive of Tronc, depending on experience
• Tronc typically worth approximately £700–£900 per month
• Sundays and Mondays off every week
• Five shifts per week, with the advertised package based on four double shifts and one evening shift
• Alternative shift patterns with fewer double shifts can be discussed, with salary adjusted accordingly
• Free meals while on duty
• 20% discount when dining at the restaurant
• Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day
• Closed for the second and third weeks of August
• Workplace pension through NEST
• Genuine progression opportunities, with plans for a new restaurant opening next year

About My Client

My client is an independently owned restaurant in Leeds city centre, offering a relaxed and welcoming dining experience with a strong focus on quality food and genuine hospitality.

This is not a conventional restaurant kitchen. It's a small, busy and characterful environment where teamwork, flexibility and personality are just as important as technical ability.

The business takes pride in its food, atmosphere and guest experience, with attention to detail and consistency at the heart of everything it does.

The restaurant provides a small intimate amount of covers each sitting with a strong emphasis on pasta dishes and traditional Italian Foods from the owners Region.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Sous Chef to work alongside the Head Chef and play an important part in the day-to-day running of the kitchen.

You’ll be joining a small brigade where everyone gets involved, supports each other and takes pride in what they deliver.

This is a hands‑on position suited to someone who enjoys preparing fresh food, takes real care over the details and can confidently take responsibility for the kitchen when the Head Chef is away.

You’ll also have the opportunity to develop with the business, particularly with plans for a new opening next year.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver fresh dishes to consistently high standards.
• Support the Head Chef with the daily running of the kitchen.
• Take responsibility for the kitchen and lead service when required.
• Maintain excellent food hygiene, cleanliness and organisation.
• Ensure consistency in preparation, presentation and portion control.
• Support and motivate the wider kitchen team.
• Help maintain a positive, supportive working environment.
• Contribute ideas and enthusiasm to the continued development of the business.

The Kitchen Team

You’ll be joining an established, close-knit kitchen team consisting of:

• 1 Head Chef
• 1 Sous Chef
• 1 Chef de Partie
• 1 Part-Time Commis Chef
• 2 Full-Time Kitchen Assistants

About You

We're looking for someone with solid professional kitchen experience who is confident in their ability but also open-minded and willing to adapt to the way my client operates.

Ideally, you'll have:

• Previous experience in a Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef position.
• A good understanding of fresh food and professional kitchen operations.
• Italian cuisine experience would be beneficial, but a willingness to learn is just as important.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in consistency.
• The ability to lead a small team and work independently when required.
• A positive attitude, reliability and a genuine team-player mentality.
• A passion for good food and delivering an excellent guest experience.

Working Pattern & Salary

The £43,000 package is inclusive of Tronc with a basic salary of £31,778 and is based on five shifts per week, generally four double shifts and one evening-only shift, working approximately 48 hours.

For the right candidate, my client is happy to discuss an alternative working pattern with fewer double shifts, with the salary adjusted accordingly.

This is a great opportunity to join an independent restaurant with a close-knit team, a distinctive working environment and the opportunity to progress as the business grows.