Now Hiring: Permanent Full Time Junior Sous Chef

Do you have a passion for food and looking to work for a thriving family business? We are looking for a dedicated, enthusiastic and qualified Junior Sous Chef to join our team in The Garden Kitchen by Pugh’s.

Full time | Sociable day time hours (one Saturday night per month may be required) | 5:30pm finish daily | Weekend availability required

Between £13.33- £13.50 per hour

Please apply to: andy@pughsgardencentre.co.uk 

Job Overview:

The Junior Sous Chef assists the sous chef and kitchen manager in managing kitchen operations, food preparation, and staff. They help maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

Kitchen Operations:

• Assist the sous chef and kitchen manager in overseeing the daily operations of the kitchen, ensuring food is prepared according to recipes and presentation standards.

• Supervise food preparation and cooking processes to ensure consistency and quality in every dish.

Team Supervision & Training:

• Supervise and mentor kitchen staff, including line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers.

• Help foster a positive work environment and ensure staff adherence to kitchen procedures.

• Assist with scheduling kitchen staff and assigning tasks to ensure efficient operation during service.

Menu & Recipe Assistance:

• Collaborate with the sous chef and kitchen manager to create, test, and adjust recipes or menu items.

• Ensure proper portion control and recipe adherence to maintain consistency across dishes.

• Help implement new dishes or menu specials as needed.

Quality Control:

• Monitor food preparation and plating to ensure it meets established quality standards.

• Check for freshness, taste, and presentation of dishes before they leave the kitchen.

• Maintain the kitchen’s standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and safety at all times.

Stock control & Ordering:

• Assist with inventory management, ensuring that kitchen supplies and ingredients are stocked and ready for service.

• Help track food waste and work with the kitchen manager to manage ordering supplies efficiently.

Health & Safety:

• Ensure kitchen staff follows health and safety regulations, including proper food storage, sanitation practices, and safe operation of kitchen equipment.

• Ensure that all food safety guidelines are strictly adhered to, including temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and cleanliness.

Customer Satisfaction:

• Assist in maintaining high customer satisfaction by ensuring food quality and presentation are consistently excellent.

• Address customer feedback or complaints quickly and professionally, making adjustments where necessary.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Junior Sous Chef, Line Cook, or other culinary positions.

• Knowledge of kitchen operations, food safety regulations, and hygiene procedures.

• Strong culinary skills and ability to follow and develop recipes.

• Ability to manage a team and work in a high-pressure environment.

• Formal culinary education or training is preferred but not always required.

Skills:

• Excellent leadership and communication skills.

• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Time management and organizational skills.

• Ability to stay calm and make decisions quickly during service hours.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to work weekends and bank holidays.

• The role is physically demanding, with a need to stand for extended periods and lift heavy items.

• The work environment is fast-paced and requires the ability to stay focused during high-volume service times.

Pugh's Staff Wellbeing Benefits

As a permanent employee of Pugh's, after passing your probation period you will be entitled to the following

• 20%-50% Staff Discounts

• Full Uniform Provided

• Wide range of hospitality training provided.

• Individual Staff Life Insurance

• Pensions Scheme with NOW Pensions

• Health Assured - Staff Health & Well-Being Support Scheme

• Yearly Personal Development Reviews

• Uniform Allowance

• Yearly Holiday Giveaway and Monthly Prize Draws

• Companywide progression opportunities