About the Role
Coppi is looking for an experienced and ambitious Senior Sous Chef to join our kitchen leadership team.
We are a busy, independent Italian restaurant in Belfast, known for fresh pasta made in-house, quality ingredients, proper Italian cooking and a strong focus on consistency and hospitality.
This is a hands-on senior kitchen role for someone who loves cooking, takes pride in their food and wants to play an important part in leading a professional, energetic kitchen team.
Working closely with the Head Chef, you will help drive standards across the kitchen, support the development of the team and take responsibility for the smooth running of service in the Head Chef's absence.
The Role
As Senior Sous Chef, you will:
- Work closely with the Head Chef to maintain and continually improve food quality and kitchen standards.
- Lead and motivate the kitchen team during service, ensuring a calm, organised and positive working environment.
- Take responsibility for the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence.
- Ensure all dishes are prepared and cooked consistently to Coppi's standards.
- Oversee preparation, service and close-down procedures.
- Support ordering, stock control, waste management and kitchen organisation.
- Train, develop and mentor junior chefs and commis chefs.
- Ensure excellent food hygiene, health & safety and kitchen cleanliness standards are maintained.
- Help manage the kitchen team effectively during busy services.
- Lead by example and maintain a strong work ethic and professional attitude.
- Work collaboratively with the FOH and management teams to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who is already operating at Senior Sous Chef level, or an experienced Sous Chef ready to take the next step.
You should have:
- Proven experience in a busy, high-volume professional kitchen.
- Strong cooking and preparation skills.
- Excellent knowledge of food safety, hygiene and kitchen procedures.
- Experience leading and developing a kitchen team.
- Good understanding of ordering, stock control and kitchen organisation.
- The ability to remain calm, organised and positive under pressure.
- Excellent communication skills and a genuine team mentality.
- A passion for quality food and hospitality.
- A professional approach and pride in what you do.
Italian or Mediterranean kitchen experience would be an advantage, but it's not essential. We're more interested in your ability, attitude and ambition.
Why Join Coppi?
At Coppi, we're committed to creating a kitchen where people can work hard, learn, develop and enjoy what they do.
We offer:
- £40,000–£45,000 per year
- 40-hour working week
- Closed Sunday
- All agreed overtime paid in full
- Excellent work/life balance
- Free food while on shift
- Generous staff discount when dining at Coppi
- Company pension
- Opportunities for career progression
- Training and development opportunities
- A supportive, forward-thinking independent restaurant
The Person
We're looking for someone who doesn't just want to work a shift, but wants to be part of a team and help shape the kitchen.
You will be someone who naturally takes responsibility, supports the people around you and understands that great food comes from great teamwork, organisation and consistency.
If you're ready for your next challenge and think you could be the right person to help lead the Coppi kitchen team, we'd love to hear from you.
Work Location: In person – Belfast BT1 2LR
Work authorisation: United Kingdom
Experience:
Senior Sous Chef / Sous Chef: 2 years minimum preferred
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: In person
