Junior Sous Chef

Junior Sous Chef

Poole Full-Time 24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Rockfish Poole

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Cook fresh seafood, support chefs, mentor juniors, and maintain kitchen standards.
  • Company: Rockfish is a leading seafood business focused on sustainability and local produce.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, paid overtime, 28 days holiday, and a 4-week sabbatical after 10 years.
  • Other info: Use Rockfish paddleboards during breaks and enjoy a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Join a Top 50 Best Company to Work For, with clear career progression and mentorship opportunities.
  • Qualifications: Passion for cooking, leadership skills, and a desire to grow in the culinary field.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.

Junior Sous Chef

Rockfish, led by Mitch Tonks, founder and CEO of the unique seafood business that catches, processes and serves local seafood at 10 locations in the Southwest. With a 25-year career in seafood as a chef, restauranteur and fishmonger Mitch is one of the leading, credible voices in seafood in the UK.

We’re a Top 50 Best Company to Work For in the UK, serving MSC-certified sustainable seafood landed fresh daily from Brixham Fish Market. If you’re a talented chef with a passion for leadership, sustainability, and career progression, this is an incredible opportunity to grow with us.

Your Role as Junior Sous Chef

  • Cook with the freshest seafood, ensuring every dish meets Rockfish standards
  • Support the Sous and Head Chef, stepping up to lead service when needed
  • Mentor junior chefs, helping them develop their skills and confidence
  • Maintain high kitchen standards, from food safety to resource management
  • Work closely with the front-of-house team to create an unforgettable dining experience

Career Progression – Your Future at Rockfish

At Rockfish, we don’t just offer a job – we provide a clear path for growth:

  • Structured career progression: Junior Sous → Sous Chef → Head Chef → Beyond
  • One-on-one mentorship from experienced chefs
  • Training in seafood, wine, leadership, and kitchen management
  • Opportunities to be part of new restaurant openings as we expand

Real promotion opportunities– we love to develop talent from within!

What’s in It for You? Pay & Perks

  • Competitive salary + paid overtime (we value work-life balance!)
  • Weekly tips via Tip Jar
  • Refer-a-friend bonuses

Time to Recharge

  • Your birthday off + 28 days holiday
  • Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day OFF!
  • 40 hours in the winter / 48 hours in the summer
  • 4-week paid sabbatical after 10 years

Health & Wellbeing

  • 24/7 wellbeing support (counselling, financial & legal advice)
  • Use of Rockfish paddleboards on your breaks!

Why Rockfish?

Join a company that truly values sustainability, career growth, and work-life balance. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive, inspiring workplace.

Ready to Make Waves in Your Career?

Bring your passion and leadership to Rockfish. Apply now and grow with us!


Junior Sous Chef employer: Rockfish Poole

Rockfish is an exceptional employer that prioritises sustainability, career growth, and work-life balance, making it a fantastic place for aspiring chefs. With structured career progression, one-on-one mentorship, and opportunities to participate in new restaurant openings, employees are encouraged to develop their skills in a supportive environment. Additionally, the company offers competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and unique perks like access to paddleboards, ensuring a fulfilling and enjoyable workplace experience.
Rockfish Poole

Contact Detail:

Rockfish Poole Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Rockfish's commitment to sustainability and local seafood sourcing. Being able to discuss how you can contribute to these values during your interview will show your alignment with the company's mission.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight any experience you have in mentoring or training junior chefs. Rockfish values leadership, so demonstrating your ability to develop others will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your knowledge of seafood and cooking techniques. Being well-versed in these areas will not only impress the hiring team but also show your passion for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the specific dishes and menu items offered at Rockfish. Being able to talk about your favourite dishes and how you would enhance them can demonstrate your enthusiasm and creativity as a chef.

We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef

Culinary Skills
Leadership Skills
Food Safety Knowledge
Team Collaboration
Mentoring and Training
Time Management
Creativity in Menu Development
Attention to Detail
Resource Management
Communication Skills
Adaptability
Knowledge of Seafood Preparation
Customer Service Orientation
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Company: Familiarise yourself with Rockfish's values, mission, and commitment to sustainability. This will help you tailor your application to reflect their ethos and demonstrate your alignment with their goals.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your culinary skills, leadership experience, and any previous roles in seafood or similar environments. Mention specific dishes or techniques that showcase your expertise.

Showcase Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm for seafood and cooking in your application. Share any personal stories or experiences that highlight your dedication to the culinary arts and sustainable practices.

Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter for the Junior Sous Chef position. Use keywords from the job description and focus on how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for Rockfish.

How to prepare for a job interview at Rockfish Poole

✨Show Your Passion for Seafood

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for seafood and sustainable practices during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or dishes you've created that highlight your love for fresh ingredients.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Junior Sous Chef, you'll be expected to support and mentor junior chefs. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences and how you can inspire and guide others in the kitchen.

✨Know the Company Values

Familiarise yourself with Rockfish's commitment to sustainability and community. Mention how these values resonate with you and how you can contribute to maintaining high kitchen standards while promoting local seafood.

✨Prepare for Practical Questions

Expect questions about your cooking techniques and how you handle kitchen challenges. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've maintained quality under pressure or improved kitchen efficiency.

Junior Sous Chef
Rockfish Poole
Location: Poole

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