Sous Chef - Live In Available

Crafted Pubs - BRA_301; Dorking; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Employee training & development

Staff discount

Wagestream

Pension contribution

Refer a friend bonus

Discounts on brand meals

Job summary

The Watermill in the Surrey Hills is seeking a passionate Sous Chef to lead a busy kitchen and deliver consistently high-quality dishes.

You’ll work closely with the Head Chef, inspire a hands-on team, manage stock and costs, and help drive fresh-food standards with style and energy. Live-in accommodation is available, and Crafted Pubs offer great training and employee benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie stepping up.
• Experience in a high-volume kitchen where quality matters.
• A genuine passion for fresh food and high standards.
• Ability to lead and develop a kitchen team.
• Organised with an understanding of kitchen costs, stock and GP.
• Resilience to thrive during busy services.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen team with Head Chef during busy services.
• Hands-on leadership to deliver consistently high-quality dishes.
• Support Head Chef in developing the kitchen team.
• Manage stock, ordering, wastage and kitchen costs.
• Coach chefs to build a strong, motivated team.
• Stay calm, organised and hands-on during high-volume services.

Skills

Sous Chef

High-volume kitchen

Fresh food

Leadership

Organization

Cost control

Resilience

Job description

Company Description

Crafted Pubs is a collection of premium pubs that have the individuality, quirk, warmth, and charm of an independent. Our expansion plans are big, and we are looking for the best people to join on us what is set to be an incredible journey filled with plenty of opportunities.

About the Watermill

Set in the beautiful Surrey Hills, The Watermill is a much-loved Crafted pub with character, charm and a serious passion for great food. With stunning views of Box Hill, a fantastic outdoor space and a busy year-round trade, this is a pub where there is always something happening.

Job Description

We’re looking for a Sous Chef who thrives in a busy, high-volume kitchen and wants to be part of a team that puts fresh, quality food at the heart of what we do.

From our 35-day dry-aged rib-eye and fire-kissed grill classics to dishes such as crab mafalde, whole grilled plaice and lamb shoulder, our menu gives our kitchen team plenty to get excited about.

Qualifications

What you'll be doing

Working closely with the Head Chef, you’ll help lead the kitchen team through busy services, making sure every dish leaves the kitchen to the highest standard.

You’ll be hands-on, leading from the front and helping the team deliver consistently great food, even when the kitchen is at its busiest.

You’ll also play a key role in:

• Supporting the Head Chef in leading and developing the kitchen team.
• Delivering consistently high-quality dishes across a busy, fresh-food kitchen.
• Keeping standards high across food quality, presentation, hygiene and safety.
• Helping to manage stock, ordering, wastage and kitchen costs.
• Coaching and developing chefs to build a strong, motivated kitchen team.
• Staying calm, organised and hands-on during high-volume services.

What we're looking for

We’re looking for a passionate Sous Chef who loves being in the middle of a busy service and takes real pride in the food they produce.

You’ll ideally have:

• Experience as a Sous Chef, or as a strong Chef de Partie ready for the next step.
• Experience working in a high-volume kitchen where quality matters.
• A genuine passion for fresh food and high standards.
• The ability to lead, motivate and develop a kitchen team.
• Good organisation and an understanding of kitchen costs, stock and GP.
• The resilience and energy to thrive during busy services.

Why The Watermill?

This is an opportunity to join Crafted Pubs, a collection of unique pubs that combine the individuality and warmth of an independent with the support and opportunities of Greene King.

At The Watermill, you’ll be joining a busy kitchen with a strong food focus, working alongside a team that genuinely cares about delivering great dishes for our guests.

And with live-in accommodation available, it’s a great opportunity for someone looking to take their next step in a beautiful part of Surrey.

Additional Information

We’re all about rewarding our team’s hard work, that’s why…

You’ll receive a competitive salary, pension contribution as well as:

• The chance to further your career across our well-known brands – as one of the industry's top apprenticeship providers, we can provide training and development at each level of your career.
• Discount of 33% for you and 15% for your loved ones on all of our brands – so you enjoy your favourite food and drink at a discount.
• Free employee assistance program – mental health, well-being, financial, and legal support because you matter!
• Enhanced, family-friendly maternity and paternity policies
• Menopause Friendly Employer
• Discount of 50% for you and 25% for your loved ones at our Greene King Inns and hotels – so you can enjoy a weekend away without breaking the bank.
• Refer a friend – who do you know who could be interested in a new role? When they are placed, you could earn up to £1,500 for referring them!
• Wagestream – access your wage before payday for when life happens.
• Retail discounts – Receive up to 30% off at Superdrug, exclusive discounts with Three Mobile along with many more…

CREATING PLACES WHERE PEOPLE FEEL WELCOME, SAFE AND THAT THEY BELONG

We aim to embed inclusion into every decision we make – across our people, customers, communities, suppliers, and operations. We want to create a culture where everyone feels welcome, valued, and able to thrive.