Basildon
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.
