We’re looking for an experienced, passionate and hands-on Sous Chef / Junior Sous Chef to join the kitchen team at Wildes.
Wildes is a busy, independent bar and restaurant in Leamington Spa, serving modern, quality food alongside our cocktail and drinks offering. We’re looking for someone who takes pride in their food, enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and wants to play an important role in developing and maintaining a strong kitchen operation.
This role would suit an experienced Junior Sous ready to take the next step, or an established Sous Chef looking for a new challenge.
You’ll work closely with the Head Chef to ensure consistently high standards across service, food preparation, kitchen organisation and the wider kitchen team.
The Role
- Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
- Take responsibility for the kitchen during service when required.
- Lead, motivate and support the kitchen team during busy services.
- Prepare, cook and present dishes to a consistently high standard.
- Ensure food quality, portion control and presentation are maintained.
- Assist with menu development, specials and seasonal changes.
- Help manage prep, ordering, stock rotation and kitchen organisation.
- Monitor food waste and help maintain strong GP and portion control.
- Ensure all food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards are followed.
- Train, support and develop junior members of the kitchen team.
- Communicate effectively with the front-of-house team to ensure smooth service.
- Maintain a clean, organised and professional kitchen.
- Step up and take responsibility when the Head Chef is not present.
Experience Required
- Ideally 2–3+ years’ experience in a professional kitchen, depending on level.
- Previous experience as a Chef de Partie, Senior Chef de Partie, Junior Sous or Sous Chef.
- Experience working busy service periods and maintaining high standards under pressure.
- Good knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques and kitchen organisation.
- Experience supporting, supervising or leading other chefs.
- A good understanding of food hygiene, allergens and kitchen compliance.
- Experience with prep planning, stock rotation and ordering.
- An understanding of food costs, portion control and minimising waste.
- Experience in a restaurant, gastro pub, bar & restaurant or similar environment is preferred.
- Menu development and specials experience would be an advantage.
The Person
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about food and genuinely cares about quality.
- Confident and capable in a busy, high-volume kitchen.
- Organised, reliable and able to remain calm under pressure.
- A strong team player with good communication skills.
- Comfortable taking responsibility and leading by example.
- Proactive and able to work independently.
- Keen to learn, develop and progress.
- Professional, hardworking and takes pride in their work.
- Flexible and willing to get stuck in wherever needed.
Most importantly, we’re looking for the right person. You don’t need to tick every box — if you’re a talented chef with the right attitude, a strong work ethic and a desire to progress, we’d love to hear from you.
Pay: £30,000.00-£32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
