At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-volume kitchen, design menus, and manage daily operations.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at Gretna Green's Village Kitchen.
- Benefits: Enjoy free parking, birthday off, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Shape the menu and make a real impact in a transforming kitchen.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume kitchens and strong decision-making skills.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 34500 £ per year.
At Gretna Green, we’re looking for a Sous Chef to take ownership of our Village Kitchen, a standalone operation where you’ll have the autonomy to shape the menu, lead the service, and influence what comes next. This is a role for a chef who can handle volume, stay composed, and still deliver quality every time. You’ll have real responsibility, designing menus, managing service, and working closely with our Head of Catering to help evolve food across the wider site, including the Village Kitchen, Runaways and the Toll Bar Café.
Main Responsibilities:
- Running a high-volume kitchen with confidence and consistency
- Designing menus that balance quality, speed and margin
- Managing product mix, procurement and stock control
- Making smart decisions on prep vs pre-bought products
- Maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene
- Leading day-to-day kitchen operations with support from Kitchen Porters
What we’re looking for:
- Proven experience in a high-volume kitchen environment
- At least a couple of years in a Sous Chef (or strong Chef de Partie ready to step up) role
- Confidence working independently and making decisions
- Strong understanding of margins, cost control and kitchen efficiency
- A calm, organised approach under pressure
Why Work with Gretna Green?
- Free on-site parking
- Day off for your birthday – Celebrate your day, your way
- 25% staff discount on stays at our hotels
- Access to Hospitality Action (EAP support)
Our values:
- Be Kind – Show respect, patience, and warmth to everyone
- Deliver Magic – Maintain high standards, even under pressure
- Be Curious – Ask questions, learn new things, get better every day
- Be Adaptable – Smile when plans change
- Think Like a Landowner – Take pride in and care for your environment
Ready to BE PART OF OUR kitchen TEAM? This is your chance to be part of something evolving. If you’re a chef who enjoys the pace of volume, takes pride in delivering consistently good food, and wants a role where your ideas actually shape the offering, we’d like to hear from you. Apply now and be part of what’s next at Gretna Green.
Location: Gretna Green, Village Kitchen
Hours: Full-Time – 40 hours – 8:00am – 4:30pm (including weekends & holidays)
Pay: £33,000 – £34,500
To Apply: Email your CV to careers@gretnagreen.com
Sous Chef employer: Gretna Green Ltd
Contact Detail:
Gretna Green Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop by Gretna Green and check out the Village Kitchen. Familiarising yourself with the atmosphere and menu can give you a leg up in the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When discussing your experience, highlight specific dishes you've designed or how you've improved kitchen efficiency. We want to see your passion for food and innovation!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a practical test! In a high-volume kitchen, they might ask you to whip up a dish on the spot. Brush up on your skills and be prepared to showcase your ability to handle pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team at Gretna Green.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your experience in high-volume kitchens. We want to see how you've handled busy services and maintained quality under pressure. Share specific examples that showcase your skills as a Sous Chef or a strong Chef de Partie ready to step up!
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send the same CV everywhere! Tailor it to fit the Sous Chef role at Gretna Green. Mention your menu design experience and how you’ve managed kitchen operations. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their skills with our needs.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value kindness, curiosity, and adaptability, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are. A genuine approach can really make your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be part of something evolving at Gretna Green. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to shape our kitchen team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gretna Green Ltd
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to think about what dishes you would want to include in your menu. Be ready to discuss your ideas and how they align with the vision of the Village Kitchen. This shows that you’re not just a follower but someone who can contribute creatively.
✨Showcase Your High-Volume Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles where you successfully managed a busy kitchen. Talk about specific challenges you faced and how you maintained quality under pressure. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Discuss Cost Control Strategies
Since managing margins and cost control is key for this role, come prepared with insights on how you’ve previously handled procurement and stock control. Share any innovative strategies you’ve implemented to keep costs down while maintaining quality.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Style
As a Sous Chef, you’ll be leading a team. Think about your leadership style and how you motivate others. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully led a team in the past, especially during busy service times.