At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head Chef in managing kitchen operations and mentoring junior staff.
- Company: Café Mission, a vibrant rooftop restaurant with a creative culinary team.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, wellness classes, and a unique dining environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and create memorable food experiences in a stunning setting.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or similar role in a busy kitchen.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including weekends, with opportunities for creativity and growth.
The predicted salary is between 16 - 16 £ per hour.
Café Mission is a lively rooftop restaurant and bar with a relaxed atmosphere, serving a seasonally-driven menu of modern European and contemporary Asian-inspired dishes throughout breakfast, brunch and lunch. With culinary offerings ranging from Japanese sandos and shakshuka to teriyaki trout and house desserts, the kitchen champions fresh, seasonal produce and creative, straightforward cooking in a setting overlooking the skyline of East London. The restaurant also hosts private dining and events, combining casual hospitality with flavour-forward cuisine.
We are seeking a passionate, organised and creative Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in overseeing kitchen operations, helping drive consistent quality across all dishes, and maintaining high standards of food preparation, presentation and hygiene. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, loves collaboration, and is committed to delivering memorable food experiences that reflect Café Mission’s seasonal and innovative menu.
Responsibilities- Assist the Head Chef in managing the daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth service during breakfast, brunch, lunch, and special event services.
- Supervise and mentor junior kitchen staff, including commis chefs and kitchen assistants.
- Maintain consistency of all dishes, ensuring presentation and quality standards are met.
- Step in to lead the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef.
- Prepare and cook menu items according to Café Mission’s standards, focusing on seasonal, fresh and creative dishes.
- Assist with mise en place organization, food preparation, and station setup prior to service.
- Ensure all ingredients are prepared and prepped in line with portion control and recipe specifications.
- Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, hygiene and food safety throughout the kitchen.
- Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations and kitchen policies.
- Lead by example in daily cleaning tasks and ensuring kitchen equipment is maintained correctly.
- Contribute ideas for menu enhancements, specials, and seasonal offerings that meet the café’s creative direction.
- Help maintain consistency when trialling or introducing new dishes.
- Assist with stock rotation, monitoring inventory levels, and reporting supply needs to the Head Chef.
- Support ordering and receiving deliveries, checking for quality and freshness.
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Senior Cook, or similar culinary role in a busy, casual dining or brunch-focused kitchen.
- Strong working knowledge of kitchen operations and food preparation techniques.
- Exceptional organisational and communication skills.
- Committed to kitchen cleanliness, food safety and team leadership.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and peak service periods.
- Salary - £16 - £16.5 per hour + service charge
- Opportunity to be part of a creative, collaborative culinary team in a unique rooftop restaurant environment.
- Staff benefits will include access to Mission E1 wellness classes and facilities.
Sous Chef employer: Mission
Contact Detail:
Mission Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with fellow chefs, attend culinary events, and connect with people in the industry. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opening or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a dish or two to share during interviews or networking events. It’s a tasty way to demonstrate your creativity and passion for food, plus it’ll leave a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants you admire, like Café Mission, and express your interest. A personal touch can go a long way in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence fresh! Update your social media profiles with your latest culinary creations and experiences. This not only showcases your skills but also makes it easier for potential employers to find you.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you about modern European and contemporary Asian cuisine. We want to see your creativity and enthusiasm for food!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your previous roles in the kitchen, especially as a Sous Chef or similar positions. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their skills in managing kitchen operations and mentoring staff, so don’t hold back on those experiences!
Be Organised and Clear: Keep your application neat and structured. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy for us to read. A well-organised application reflects your ability to maintain order in the kitchen, which is super important for this role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our team at Café Mission!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mission
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Café Mission’s menu. Understand the seasonal ingredients and be ready to discuss how you would enhance or innovate dishes. This shows your passion for the role and your commitment to their culinary vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll need to lead and mentor junior staff. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to maintain quality and consistency while fostering a collaborative kitchen environment.
✨Emphasise Cleanliness and Safety
Café Mission values hygiene and food safety. Be prepared to discuss your experience with maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and adhering to health regulations. Share specific practices you follow to ensure a safe cooking environment, as this will demonstrate your professionalism.
✨Bring Creative Ideas to the Table
Think about potential menu enhancements or specials that align with Café Mission’s style. During the interview, share your ideas and how they could fit into the existing menu. This not only shows your creativity but also your enthusiasm for contributing to the café's success.