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Head Chef - Maria’s Market Square Café - Basildon

Chef & Cook

8 hours ago5 views

We’re looking for an experienced, permanent Sous Chef who’s ready for a new challenge and wants to play a key role in shaping the future of a growing brunch café. We are a small team, who are passionate, supportive and genuinely enjoy what we do - and we are looking for someone who wants to grow with us.
Our food is centred around seasonal, hearty dishes made with care — quality brunch plates, fresh ingredients, comforting flavours, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
We are a team where everyone helps each other out, communication matters and hard work is appreciated.
We’re currently evolving our menu and concept to attract a new customer base, so this is a great opportunity for someone who wants more responsibility, creative involvement, and the chance to help build something exciting from the ground up.
This role is ideal for someone confident running a kitchen independently alongside a Kitchen Porter, while maintaining high standards across all areas of the kitchen.
The Role
You’ll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring consistency, cleanliness, organisation, and smooth service while helping develop the direction of the food offering. A typical working day would begin at 7:30am and end at 4pm, although we are looking for someone who can be flexible. Weekend work is required.
Key Responsibilities

  • Running the kitchen independently during prep and service
  • Preparing fresh seasonal dishes to a high standard
  • Managing stock control, rotation, and kitchen organisation
  • Placing orders and monitoring stock levels efficiently
  • Maintaining a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment
  • Ensuring all food hygiene and health & safety standards are followed
  • Opening and closing the kitchen
  • Training and supporting junior staff and Kitchen Porters
  • Assisting with menu ideas, specials, and kitchen development
  • Managing prep schedules and reducing waste
  • Maintaining consistency and attention to detail in every dish

What We’re Looking For

  • Previous experience as a Junior Sous Chef or Sous Chef in a fresh-food kitchen
  • Someone organised, reliable, and able to work independently
  • Passion for cooking and seasonal comfort food
  • Strong understanding of kitchen operations and food safety
  • Confident managing stock and maintaining kitchen standards
  • Positive attitude and willingness to help grow the business
  • Flexible approach and strong work ethic

What We Offer

  • Competitive pay depending on experience
  • Opportunity to have real input into menus and kitchen direction
  • Supportive and relaxed working environment
  • A chance to grow with the business as it develops
  • Staff meals and good coffee included

If you’re looking for a role where you can genuinely make an impact and help shape a growing brunch restaurant, we would love to hear from you.

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john H. from Maria’s Market Square Café is interviewing people like you for this position tomorrow! Let them know you are interested!
  • Experience
    Required
  • Languages
    English – Advanced
  • Employment
    Full-time
  • Salary
    £20 – £25 hourly
  • Benefits
    Share of tips, free food, discounted food
  • Starting time
    Immediate start!

pin icon5 Market Pavement, SS14 1DD, Basildon

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Head ChefBasildon

Cafe • 1-10 Employees

Hiring on JOB TODAY since June, 2026

A family run brunch spot based in the heart of Basildon

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john H.Active 7 hours ago
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