At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our kitchen team to create exceptional dishes using sustainable, local produce.
- Company: Knepp Wilding Kitchen, a pioneering rewilding estate focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, tips, discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Enjoy a good work-life balance with daytime hours and exciting development opportunities.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role and make a real impact in a Michelin-listed kitchen.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-quality restaurants and a passion for sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 35000 £ per year.
Salary: £33,000-35,000 (excluding tips)
Tips: Approx. £800+/month
Hours: 45 hours per week over five days
Location: Knepp Wilding Kitchen, Dial Post, West Sussex, RH13 8PY
The Role
We’re looking for an ambitious and motivated Junior Sous Chef to join the team at Knepp Wilding Kitchen. Working closely with the Head Chef and Sous Chef, you’ll play a key role in delivering exceptional food using outstanding produce from our rewilding estate, on-site butchery and three-acre market garden. This is an excellent opportunity for a developing chef to step into a leadership position within a purpose‑led, ingredient‑driven kitchen focused on sustainability, seasonality and quality.
About Knepp
Knepp is a 3,500‑acre rewilding estate near Horsham, pioneering nature‑led land management. Our kitchen showcases award‑winning beef, venison and pork, alongside seasonal vegetables grown in our three‑acre on‑site market garden. We are an ingredient‑led, Michelin‑listed, high‑paced restaurant, focused on celebrating the very best sustainable British produce.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Head Chef and Sous Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen
- Lead sections during service and ensure consistently high standards across all dishes
- Help train, motivate and support junior members of the kitchen team
- Assist with menu development and daily specials, driven by seasonality and availability
- Contribute to stock control, ordering and waste reduction
- Support with events and larger services when required
- Maintain a safe, clean and organised kitchen, adhering to 5-star EHO standards
Requirements
- We are a rural site, the candidate must be able to get to site independently
- Experience at senior management level
- Experience in people management
- Experience in high-volume, quality-focused restaurant
- Ready to take the next step into a Junior Sous role
- Strong organisational skills and a positive, proactive attitude
- A passion for great produce, sustainability and continuous learning
- Confident communicator and team player
Development opportunities, training and career progression
Good work-life balance, with almost entirely daytime trade
Summer and Christmas parties
Coffee & tea on tap
50% off in the restaurant, 20% off in the shop
Supportive and encouraging management team
To apply: Please send a copy of your CV and a short covering letter to alex@knepp.co.uk, explaining how your experience, qualities and values align with the job description and person specification. Knepp is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in our team as much as we do in our landscape. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles at Knepp.
Junior Sous employer: Knepp Castle Estate, Knepp Farms LLP
Join a prestigious rewilding estate in England as a Seasonal Breakfast Chef, where you'll have the opportunity to work with exceptional, estate-sourced ingredients in a supportive and collaborative environment. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our various perks and a culture that values creativity and passion for food, making this an ideal place for culinary professionals looking to make a meaningful impact during the vibrant spring and summer months.
Contact Details:
Knepp Castle Estate, Knepp Farms LLP Recruitment Team
