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 Livingston employer: Ottolenghi
Contact Detail:
Ottolenghi Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Livingston
✨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 next big opportunity!
✨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 gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen, especially at a vibrant place like Ottolenghi.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to restaurants you admire, like Ottolenghi, and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference and show your genuine passion for their culinary vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the restaurant's menu and ethos. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their commitment to fresh, seasonal produce. And remember, we encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Livingston
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 that inspire you, as this will resonate with our commitment to vibrant food.
Highlight Your Team Spirit: We value collaboration, so make sure to mention your experience working in a team. Talk about how you've supported others in the kitchen and contributed to a positive atmosphere, as this is key to our culture at Ottolenghi.
Be Specific About Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; give examples of how you've used them in past roles. Whether it's managing stock control or mentoring junior chefs, specific anecdotes can really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at our new Edinburgh restaurant!
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 successfully mentored junior chefs or fostered a positive kitchen culture in previous roles. Highlight your calm, hands-on approach and how you lead by example.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Ottolenghi values teamwork, so come prepared to discuss how you work with others, especially in a busy kitchen environment. Share experiences where you collaborated with front-of-house teams or contributed to menu development.
✨Master the Numbers
Understanding stock control and food costs is crucial. Brush up on your kitchen administration skills and be ready to discuss how you've managed these aspects efficiently in past roles. This will demonstrate your ability to meet operational and financial goals.