Edinburgh - Sous Chef

At Ottolenghi, we're known for vibrant food, busy delis, and restaurants full of energy, but what really matters is our people. We create environments where teams feel supported, take pride in what they do, and deliver a genuinely warm experience to every guest. Ottolenghi Edinburgh marks an exciting new chapter for us, our first restaurant in Scotland. Opening in autumn 2026, this will be a vibrant, busy restaurant with a genuine commitment to fresh, seasonal produce and sustainability at its heart. We are now looking for a talented Sous Chef to join our team and be part of something truly special from the very beginning.

What you’ll do:

• Support the Head Chef in leading the kitchen team and setting the tone for a supportive, high-performance culture.
• Oversee sections and support daily kitchen operations to ensure consistency and excellence in food quality and presentation.
• Work closely with the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen on new menu ideas and seasonal development.
• Uphold food hygiene and safety standards, ensuring a clean and well-organised kitchen at all times.
• Help manage stock control, ordering, and food costs efficiently and sustainably.
• Assist in rota planning and labour management to meet operational and financial goals.
• Take an active role in mentoring and training junior chefs, sharing knowledge and building confidence.
• Collaborate closely with the General Manager and front-of-house team to deliver a seamless and memorable guest experience.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a high-quality, fast-paced kitchen, minimum of 2 years.
• Someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and genuinely enjoys developing others.
• A passion for fresh, seasonal cooking and the creativity to bring something special to the pass.
• A calm, hands-on approach and the ability to lead by example.
• A genuine pride in maintaining high standards and a positive kitchen culture.

Key skills:

• Strong knowledge of culinary techniques and a deep understanding of flavour and seasonality.
• Excellent people management and communication skills.
• Confident managing stock, food costs, and kitchen administration.
• Calm under pressure with a solutions-focused mindset.
• Well-organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Comfortable using relevant kitchen management and IT systems.
• A genuine passion for food, people, and continuous improvement.

What’s in it for you?

• 30 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays.
• Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount.
• Health and well-being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts.
• Refer a Friend Bonus: £500 for each successful referral.
• Learning & Development opportunities including management coaching, WSET wine training, Ottolenghi Chef’s Academy workshops, and access to external courses.
• A warm, inclusive working culture where individuality, growth, and creativity are celebrated.
• Enhanced Parental Pay after two years’ service.
• A special birthday treat to celebrate your day.
• Exclusive workshops and demos, including cooking, food, wine, and cocktail sessions in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen.
• A collaborative and creative environment where your ideas are valued.

If you care about great food, great people, and doing things properly, we'd love to hear from you.