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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Help reopen a vibrant kitchen and lead service with flair.
- Company: A family-run restaurant in Mayfair, focused on quality and calm service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and clear progression to Head Chef.
- Other info: Full training provided and a positive kitchen culture awaits.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and shape a new culinary experience.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 38000 £ per year.
Reporting to: Founder
Location: Central London (Mayfair)
Type: Fixed-term Contract - 6 months (with the possibility of a permanent role)
Salary: £35,000 - £38,000 per annum + bonus
About the Client
Our client is reopening a long-established, family-run restaurant in the heart of Mayfair following nearly two decades under the same ownership. The relaunch brings a renewed vision, a brand-new team, and a strong focus on simple, well-executed food, calm service, and professionalism at every level. The restaurant offers a Lebanese-inspired tapas menu in a relaxed café-style setting, featuring a Parisian-style terrace and a high-profile international guest base. The environment values organisation, consistency, and pride in craft over high-pressure chaos.
Job Specification
As Sous Chef, you will play a key role in reopening the kitchen and setting operational standards from day one. Working closely with ownership and senior kitchen leadership, you will help establish systems, lead service confidently, and ensure food quality and presentation are delivered consistently. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys responsibility, takes pride in their work, and wants to be part of building a kitchen properly rather than stepping into an existing structure.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the reopening of the kitchen and help establish operational standards and systems
- Lead the kitchen during service, ensuring organisation, control, and consistency
- Maintain high standards of food quality, hygiene, and presentation at all times
- Support and guide junior chefs, fostering a professional and calm working environment
- Work closely with ownership to deliver the restaurant’s vision
- Ensure compliance with food safety and health & safety standards
- Contribute to a positive kitchen culture built on professionalism and teamwork
Person Specification
This role would suit an experienced Sous Chef or a strong Senior Chef de Partie ready to take the next step.
Essential
- Experience as a Sous Chef or Senior CDP in a professional kitchen
- Confidence leading a kitchen during service
- Calm, organised, and reliable under pressure
- Strong understanding of food quality, presentation, and hygiene standards
- Professional appearance and attitude
- Willingness to follow established systems and procedures
Desirable
- Experience with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, tapas, or small-plate menus
- Experience working in quality-driven, customer-focused environments
Training, Bonus & Progression
- Full training provided as part of the reopening phase
- Performance-related bonus linked to service standards and customer satisfaction
- Clear progression opportunities, with strong performers able to progress towards a Head Chef role as the business grows
Working Pattern
Operating hours: 9:00am - 11:00pm
Typical shifts: Opening: 08:30am – 5:00pm Closing: 4:30pm – 11:30pm Double shifts may be available
Sous Chef employer: Step Ahead
Contact Detail:
Step Ahead Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Sous Chef role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting or a demo of your cooking style. This is a great way to showcase your talent and passion for food, and it gives potential employers a taste (literally) of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants you admire, even if they aren’t advertising for a Sous Chef. A well-crafted email expressing your interest can go a long way in landing an interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Make sure to check out our listings and submit your application – we’re excited to help you find your next role!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking and food shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your passion for creating delicious dishes and how you can contribute to our Lebanese-inspired tapas menu.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading the kitchen during service. Make sure to mention any past experiences where you've successfully managed a team or maintained calm under pressure. We want to see how you can bring organisation and control to our kitchen!
Be Professional and Personable: We value professionalism in our kitchen, so keep your tone respectful and polished. However, don’t forget to show a bit of your personality! We’re looking for someone who can foster a positive kitchen culture while maintaining high standards.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your skills and experience, and we can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Step Ahead
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the Lebanese-inspired tapas menu before the interview. Being able to discuss specific dishes, their ingredients, and how they align with the restaurant's vision will show your passion and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen or team in the past. Highlight your ability to maintain calm under pressure and ensure consistency during service, as these are key aspects of the Sous Chef role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Discuss your experience in fostering a positive kitchen culture. Be ready to share how you’ve supported junior chefs and contributed to a professional environment, as this aligns with the restaurant's values.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Brush up on food safety and hygiene regulations relevant to the role. Being knowledgeable about compliance will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.