Sous Chef - New Opening

Sous Chef Sale e Pepe Mare
Exciting New Opening Join the Culinary Launch of an Iconic Brand!

For over 50 years, Sale e Pepe has stood as one of Londons most iconic and beloved restaurants. Now, we introduce Sale e Pepe Mare a seafood-focused evolution of the brand, inspired by the vibrant flavours and timeless elegance of coastal Italian dining. This is la dolce vita reborn where every plate tells a story and every guest is famiglia.

As we prepare for this exciting new chapter, we are seeking a passionate and highly skilled Sous Chef to help lead our kitchen team from pre-opening through to service excellence. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of the culinary heartbeat of one of Londons most anticipated restaurant launches.

Key Benefits:

• Private Health Insurance.
• 10 days fully paid sick leave.
• 50% off when visiting the restaurant with family & friends.
• Career development opportunities.
• A people-focused, inclusive culture.
• Bonus Scheme.

The Role:
As Sous Chef, you will work closely with our Head Chef to develop and deliver an outstanding menu inspired by the Italian coast. Youll play a key role in shaping our kitchen team, maintaining exceptional food quality, and ensuring the smooth execution of service every day.

Key Responsibilities:

Pre-Opening & Launch

• Support in designing and testing an elevated seafood-focused Italian menu.
• Assist in recruiting and training a skilled kitchen brigade aligned with our standards and vision.
• Help establish kitchen systems, processes, and supplier relationships ahead of launch.
• Contribute to the development of a positive, high-performance kitchen culture.

Operational Excellence

• Lead kitchen operations in the absence of the Head Chef, ensuring seamless service and quality.
• Maintain the highest standards of food preparation, hygiene, and presentation.
• Monitor kitchen costs and support with stock control, prep, and waste reduction.
• Ensure all health & safety, HACCP, and food safety standards are consistently upheld.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Inspire and mentor junior chefs, nurturing talent and encouraging growth within the team.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and motivated kitchen environment.
• Communicate effectively with the Front of House team to ensure service harmony.

What Were Looking For:

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef in a high-end, high-volume restaurant.
• Pre-opening experience is a major advantage.
• Deep knowledge of Italian cuisine, especially seafood and coastal specialities.
• Passionate about ingredients, innovation, and delivering exceptional flavour.
• Calm under pressure, with strong organisational and leadership skills.
• A team player with a commitment to excellence and continuous learning.

This is a rare chance to be part of a legacy to help shape the future of an iconic brand reimagined. If you're a talented Sous Chef with flair, discipline, and a love for Italian cuisine, we want to hear from you.

Thesleff Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion within the workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other legally protected status.