Sous Chef
Café Van Hage | Great Amwell Garden Centre
Create exceptional food. Inspire a passionate team. Enjoy a work-life balance that is rare in hospitality.
We're looking for a talented and ambitious Sous Chef to join the kitchen at Café Van Hage. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, lead by example, and take genuine pride in producing consistently excellent food, we'd love to hear from you.
With daytime-only hours and guaranteed closure on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Easter Sunday, this is hospitality with balance.
What You'll Do
- Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
- Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team.
- Deliver consistently high-quality breakfasts, lunches and seasonal specials.
- Ensure exceptional food presentation, taste and consistency.
- Manage kitchen operations in the Head Chef's absence.
- Maintain impeccable food safety, HACCP and hygiene standards.
- Monitor stock, ordering, deliveries and stock rotation.
- Control food costs, minimise waste and maximise profitability.
- Train, coach and inspire junior chefs and kitchen assistants.
- Ensure smooth, efficient service while maintaining quality under pressure.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and equipment care.
What We're Looking For
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef or an experienced Chef de Partie ready to step up.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Passion for fresh, quality food.
- Calm, organised and reliable under pressure.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Positive attitude with a hands-on approach.
- Commercial awareness and strong organisational skills.
- A team player who leads with integrity and professionalism.
- Sound knowledge of food safety, allergen legislation and HACCP.
What We Offer
- Daytime hours with an excellent work-life balance.
- Closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Easter Sunday.
- Competitive salary.
- Company benefits and staff discounts.
- Opportunities for training, development and career progression.
- A supportive and passionate working environment within one of the UK's leading garden centre hospitality businesses.
If you're ready to take the next step in your culinary career and help create an outstanding dining experience every day, we'd love to welcome you to Café Van Hage.
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
