Junior Sous Chef

Junior Sous Chef

Package: Up to £40,000 per annum (including weekly-paid tips & performance bonuses)

Location: Mid Sussex area

Hours: 45 to 50 hours per week

Shift Pattern: 4.5 days over 7 | 2.5 days off & 3 guaranteed evenings off per week

Finish Times: Out of the kitchen by approx. 9:15 PM on weekdays and 7:30 PM on Sundays

The Opportunity

Pineapple Recruitment is partnering with a premier, high-volume independent restaurant and bar in Mid Sussex to recruit an ambitious and talented Junior Sous Chef.

Operating at a 150-cover scale alongside private events and functions, this established destination is renowned for serving fresh modern British cuisine. Every dish is cooked to order using local, seasonal ingredients. This is a unique opportunity for a driven chef to step into a structured leadership role, gain hands-on mentoring from a highly experienced senior brigade, and hone their craft in a supportive, quality-driven kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

• Section Leadership & Service: Run kitchen sections efficiently during busy services, maintaining Rosette-level food presentation, consistency, and speed.
• Menu Innovation: Assist senior chefs in creating, costing, and developing seasonal menus and creative daily specials.
• Event & Function Delivery: Help coordinate and execute large group bookings, buffets, and private events smoothly.
• Kitchen Operations: Manage daily stock rotation, kitchen ordering, waste control, and GP targets.
• Hygiene & Compliance: Strictly uphold all health & safety, food hygiene, and kitchen cleanliness standards.
• Team Mentorship: Support and guide junior chefs on section while maintaining seamless communication with the Front of House team.

Skills & Experience Required

• Background: Proven experience as a Chef de Partie or Senior CDP in a high-volume, fresh-food restaurant or premium gastro pub.
• Culinary Standards: Strong culinary skills with a passion for working with fresh, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
• Attributes: A committed, detail-oriented professional who thrives under pressure and enjoys a collaborative kitchen culture.
• Logistics: Due to the location, a full driving licence and own transport are essential. Please note that live-in accommodation is not provided.

What’s On Offer

• Competitive Package: High base pay plus weekly-paid tips and bonuses, bringing total earnings up to £40,000 per annum.
• Unbeatable Work-Life Balance: Enjoy 2.5 days off and 3 guaranteed evenings off every single week.
• No Late Finishes: Early shift wraps—out of the building by approx. 9:15 PM weekdays and 7:30 PM on Sundays!
• Career Growth: Work alongside an experienced, close-knit chef team with structured mentoring and zero ceiling on internal progression.

Pineapple Recruitment is acting as a Recruitment Agency on behalf of our client for this vacancy.