Job Title
Sous Chef – Contemporary Casual Dining (Sociable Hours)
Location
Barnstaple, Devon
Pay & Contract
- Salary: £30,000.00 – £32,000.00 per year (Based on a structured ~40 hr/week pattern)
- Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
About Us
Located in the heart of Barnstaple, we are an ambitious, independent casual dining spot obsessed with scratch-made food, bold international flavours, and incredible hospitality. Food is at the absolute core of what we do, and our loyal customer base keeps our kitchen consistently busy throughout the year.
As we prepare for our next major phase of growth—expanding our operating days and building out our long-term leadership team—we are looking for a skilled, highly dependable Sous Chef to join our core team.
The Role
Working directly alongside the Kitchen Director, you will be a vital, hands-on line leader running a tight, highly efficient 3-chef kitchen.
You’ll take day-to-day ownership of key shifts, manage an inventory of high-quality ingredients, maintain immaculate food hygiene standards, and ensure the line runs like clockwork whether the owner is on-site or off.
Our Standards: The 4 Principles
We look for candidates who naturally live by four key operational standards:
- Passion: A genuine love for interesting, scratch-cooked food. You take pride in every plate that leaves the pass and enjoy working with fresh, evolving menus.
- Pace & Energy: You set a positive tempo for the shift, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and keep your station clean, organized, and calm under pressure.
- Precision: High standards are non-negotiable. From food safety and prep lists to plate presentation, you care deeply about consistency.
- Proactivity & Leadership: You see what needs to be done before you're asked. You know how to manage service pinch-points alongside the FOH team and mentor junior team members effectively.
What We Offer
- Work-Life Balance: Structured ~40-hour working week with sensible shift windows (Shifts run between 08:00–22:00, max 22:30 finish on peak busy nights—no late midnight clean-downs).
- Competitive Package: £30,000 – £32,000 per year (dependent on experience) + Company Pension + Free Shift Meals.
- Year-Round Security: Permanent, full-time employment 12 months a year in a stable, well-established venue.
- Real Career Growth: A clear, stable position in a mature business that is actively expanding.
- A Great Culture: A supportive, passionate team where your voice is heard and your contribution is genuinely valued.
What You’ll Need
- Minimum 2 years of experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Line Lead in a busy fresh-food environment.
- Strong skills in prep, line cooking, stock management, and food safety compliance.
- Exceptional reliability, strong communication, and a clear, supportive leadership style under pressure.
- UK Work Authorisation: Full legal right to work in the UK without visa sponsorship.
IMPORTANT: Visa Sponsorship
Please note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates must already have full, unrestricted right to work in the UK.
Pay: £30,000.00-£32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
Work Location: In person