At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, oversee operations, and create seasonal menu ideas.
- Company: Ottolenghi, a vibrant restaurant known for fresh, sustainable food.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, staff meals, health support, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a warm culture that celebrates individuality and growth.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and make a real impact on guest experiences.
- Qualifications: 2+ years as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a fast-paced kitchen.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
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 Chefs 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.
Sous Chef in Dunfermline employer: Ottolenghi
Contact Detail:
Ottolenghi Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Dunfermline
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow chefs, restaurant owners, and food enthusiasts. Attend local food events or workshops to meet people in the industry. You never know who might have a lead on your dream Sous Chef position!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This is a great way to stand out and demonstrate your passion for fresh, seasonal cooking.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining the Ottolenghi family. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with our vibrant culture and commitment to quality.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by practising common culinary questions and scenarios. Think about how you would handle kitchen challenges or mentor junior chefs. Show us your calm, hands-on approach and how you can contribute to a positive kitchen culture!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Dunfermline
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for fresh, seasonal cooking shine through. Share any unique culinary experiences or dishes you've created that reflect your creativity and passion for food.
Highlight Your Team Spirit: At Ottolenghi, we value collaboration. Make sure to mention any experiences where you've worked closely with a team, especially in a high-pressure kitchen environment. We want to see how you support and develop others!
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just say you have experience; show it! Detail your previous roles, responsibilities, and achievements as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie. This helps us understand how you can contribute to our vibrant kitchen culture.
Keep It Organised and Professional: Make sure your application is well-structured and free of errors. A clean, organised application reflects the high standards we uphold in our kitchens. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ottolenghi
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with Ottolenghi's approach to fresh, seasonal produce. Be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you would incorporate them into dishes. This shows your passion for food and aligns with their commitment to quality.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've mentored junior chefs or fostered a positive kitchen culture in the past. Highlight your calm, hands-on approach and how you lead by example.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about managing stock control and food costs. Brush up on your knowledge of kitchen administration and be prepared to share specific strategies you've used to maintain efficiency and sustainability in previous roles.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Ottolenghi values teamwork, so think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with front-of-house teams or other departments. Emphasise your excellent communication skills and how they contribute to a seamless guest experience.