Sous Chef – The Kings Head, Wye
Pub Opening | Launch Team | Contemporary Pubs
Salary: £32,500-£35,000 + generous tips package
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Wye, Kent
Want to be part of something exciting?
Contemporary Pubs is continuing its ambitious growth, and we’re looking for a talented and passionate Sous Chef to join the opening team at The Kings Head, Wye — a beautifully refurbished gastropub set to become one of Kent’s standout hospitality destinations.
This is an incredible opportunity to play a key role in the launch and long-term success of a premium food-led pub operation with a reputation for exceptional dining, warm hospitality, and outstanding guest experiences.
About Contemporary Pubs
Contemporary Pubs is the hospitality group behind some of Kent’s most celebrated pubs, including the multi-award-winning The Tiger Inn, The Kings Arms, and The Marquis of Granby.
Known for combining exceptional food, stylish interiors, and community-focused hospitality, Contemporary Pubs has built a reputation for delivering memorable experiences while creating exciting opportunities for ambitious hospitality professionals.
Our kitchens are led by chefs with experience in Rosette and Michelin-standard environments, producing menus that showcase creativity, quality ingredients, and refined takes on classic pub favourites.
As the business continues to grow, The Kings Head represents the next exciting chapter in an expanding portfolio of standout venues across the county.
The Role
As Sous Chef, you’ll work closely with the Executive Chef, Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef and wider kitchen team to help deliver exceptional food standards from day one.
We’re looking for a confident and capable chef with strong leadership skills, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for fresh, high-quality cooking. This is a hands-on role within a fast-paced, ambitious kitchen where standards and creativity are equally valued.
You’ll be expected to support the day-to-day running of the kitchen, inspire junior chefs, and maintain exceptional standards across every service.
Package
- Salary: £32,500-£35,000 per annum + generous tips package
- Full-time permanent position
- Genuine progression opportunities within a growing hospitality group
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Head Chef and Senior Sous Chef in the daily running of the kitchen
- Lead kitchen operations in the absence of senior chefs
- Deliver high-quality dishes consistently during service
- Run and manage sections confidently
- Assist with menu development and seasonal specials
- Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, food safety, and organisation
- Support stock control, ordering, and waste management
- Train, motivate, and develop junior kitchen team members
- Ensure all health & safety procedures are followed at all times
What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie within a quality fresh-food kitchen
- Experience working to Rosette level or equivalent standards
- Strong skills across all sections, including butchery, fish preparation, and pastry
- Passion for food, hospitality, and delivering exceptional guest experiences
- Calm and organised under pressure
- Professional, reliable, and detail-focused
- Strong communication and leadership skills
- Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate (Level 3 preferred)
- Full UK driving licence and own transport preferred
- Ambitious and motivated, with a desire to grow within a respected hospitality group
What We Offer
- Ongoing training, support, and development
- Clear progression opportunities within Contemporary Pubs
- Competitive salary and tips package
- Staff discount across all Contemporary Pubs venues
- Company pension contribution
- Discounted or free meals on shift
- Company events and team incentives
If you’re an ambitious chef looking to be part of an exciting new opening and a growing, award-winning pub group, we’d love to hear from you.
Pay: £32,500.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
