Sous Chef
Bandstand! at Exhibition Park
About Us
Bandstand! is an exciting new hospitality concept from the team behind Deep North — an established artisan doughnut and speciality coffee business with successful sites across the North East.
Located in the heart of Exhibition Park, the venue will be an all-day destination serving speciality coffee, brunch, pizza, artisan doughnuts, soft serve ice cream, natural wine, local craft beer and community events.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced Sous Chef with a passion for brunch, breakfast and fresh daytime dining to support the running of our kitchen.
Working alongside the Senior Chef, you will play a key role in delivering consistently excellent food while helping lead and develop the kitchen team. This is a hands-on role requiring someone who enjoys leading by example, thrives in a busy service environment and has experience supervising small kitchen teams.
You'll primarily oversee our daytime food offer, including brunch, breakfast and lunch service, while also supporting pizza service, seasonal events and evening pop-ups when required.
Key Responsibilities
Kitchen Leadership
- Support the Senior Chef in the day-to-day management of the kitchen.
- Lead kitchen service in the Senior Chef's absence.
- Supervise and motivate chefs and kitchen assistants throughout service.
- Ensure high standards of food quality, consistency and presentation.
- Promote a positive, supportive and professional kitchen culture.
Food Preparation & Service
- Prepare and cook a high-quality brunch and breakfast menu.
- Assist with pizza preparation and service when required.
- Contribute to seasonal menu changes and weekly specials.
- Support events and pop-up food concepts.
Team Development
- Train and coach junior chefs and kitchen assistants.
- Help onboard new team members.
- Monitor performance and provide day-to-day guidance.
- Encourage high standards, teamwork and continuous improvement.
Kitchen Operations
- Assist with ordering, stock control and stock rotation.
- Minimise waste and manage food costs.
- Complete daily kitchen checks and cleaning schedules.
- Ensure food safety and HACCP procedures are followed at all times.
- Help maintain equipment and report maintenance issues promptly.
Collaboration
- Work closely with the Venue Manager and Front of House team to ensure smooth service.
- Communicate effectively during busy periods.
- Support the planning and delivery of special events and seasonal promotions.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Senior Chef de Partie or experienced Breakfast/Brunch Chef.
- Strong brunch and breakfast experience in a busy café, restaurant or hotel.
- Experience supervising or leading a small kitchen team.
- Good understanding of kitchen operations and service management.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene.
- Calm under pressure with excellent attention to detail.
- Passion for quality food and hospitality.
Desirable
- Experience with pizza preparation or cooking.
- Experience developing brunch menus.
- Stock ordering and supplier management experience.
- Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
- Experience working in independent hospitality businesses.
Hours
- Full-time position.
- Includes weekends and bank holidays.
- Predominantly mornings and lunch times. Some support with evening events as and when required.
- Flexibility required during seasonal peak trading and special events.
Reporting To
Senior Chef
Pay: £13.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
Work Location: In person
