Sous Chef

Salary: £42,224 per annum
Location: Sands End, Fulham
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7, including weekends

About the Role

We are looking for a talented, passionate and motivated Sous Chef to join the team at an exciting restaurant site in Sands End, Fulham.

As Sous Chef, you will play a key leadership role in the kitchen, supporting the Head Chef in delivering high-quality food and an exceptional dining experience. You will help oversee the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, service and hygiene.

This is a hands-on role for an experienced chef who leads by example, thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in developing a strong, motivated kitchen team.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and deputise for the Head Chef in their absence.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth and efficient service.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared, cooked and presented to the highest standards.
• Maintain portion control and minimise food waste.
• Assist with menu execution, food preparation and production planning.
• Monitor food quality and consistency throughout service.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, motivate and inspire the kitchen team to achieve high standards.
• Train, coach and develop team members, supporting their professional growth.
• Promote a positive, professional and collaborative working environment.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and ongoing staff training where required.
• Assist with rota planning to ensure effective staffing levels.

Stock & Financial Control

• Assist with ordering, stock control and inventory management.
• Monitor food costs and contribute to achieving gross profit targets.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve kitchen efficiency.
• Ensure ingredients and resources are used effectively.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with food safety, allergen and hygiene regulations.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised kitchen at all times.
• Complete all required food safety records, checks and documentation.
• Follow company and client health and safety policies and procedures.

Customer Experience

• Deliver consistently high-quality food and excellent presentation.
• Respond positively to feedback and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Work collaboratively with the wider team to deliver an outstanding customer experience.

About You

Essential requirements:

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or an experienced Chef de Partie ready to take the next step.
• Excellent culinary skills and a strong eye for detail.
• Strong leadership, communication and team management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Good knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen management.
• A proactive, hands-on approach and a genuine passion for great food.

Desirable qualifications and experience:

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery, or equivalent.
• Level 2 or 3 Food Hygiene certification.
• Experience managing food costs, stock and gross profit targets.
• Previous experience in a restaurant, contract catering or high-volume kitchen environment.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a hands-on leader who leads by example, takes pride in kitchen standards and brings energy and enthusiasm to every service. You’ll be organised, reliable and passionate about food, quality and continuous improvement.

If you’re a dedicated chef who enjoys developing people, delivering excellent food and being part of a professional kitchen team, we’d love to hear from you.

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together. Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplace as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

Job Reference: com/1210/41814001/52671911/R/SU #RA Group

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!