Sous Chef - Thetford

Job Title: Sous Chef
Establishment: Restaurant within a Premier Garden Centre
Location: Thetford, Norfolk
Salary: Up to £34K
Hours: Full-time, Permanent

Pineapple Recruitment is proud to represent a thriving garden centre destination based near Thetford Norfolk, home to two popular on-site eateries. With a commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a loyal customer base, this venue has become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant offers a relaxed yet high-quality dining experience, serving everything from wholesome breakfasts to freshly fired pizzas.

The Opportunity
My client is seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to join the kitchen leadership team, working closely with the Head Chef to maintain and elevate the quality of food and service across both dining venues. This is a fantastic opportunity for a Senior Chef de Partie or Junior Sous Chef ready to take the next step in their career within a dynamic and supportive environment.

This role combines hands-on cooking with leadership responsibilities and offers the chance to contribute creatively to menus, ensure operational excellence, and support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of a busy kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in managing kitchen operations across both restaurants

• Run the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence, ensuring consistency and high standards

• Create and contribute to seasonal, innovative menus

• Maintain compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations

• Help manage stock levels, ordering, and waste control

• Mentor and support junior team members

• Foster a positive and proactive kitchen environment

Requirements

• Experience as a Senior Chef de Partie or Junior Sous Chef in a fast-paced, commercial kitchen

• Strong culinary skills and creative flair

• Confidence leading shifts and delegating tasks

• Solid understanding of food safety, compliance, and allergen protocols

• A team player with a positive, can-do attitude

• Passionate about fresh, local produce and excellent customer experiences

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary plus tips

• Sociable daytime hours

• Career development and progression opportunities

• Paid holiday

• Pension scheme

• Employee discount

• Free on-site parking

If you’re an ambitious and enthusiastic chef looking to step into a leadership role and work with fresh, local produce in a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now via Pineapple Recruitment and take your culinary career to the next level at one of Norfolk’s most welcoming garden centre eateries.

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