At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen, create delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes, and mentor junior chefs.
- Company: Join the award-winning Terre Terre, a respected independent restaurant in Brighton.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with real progression pathways for ambitious chefs.
- Why this job: Elevate your culinary skills in a creative environment focused on sustainability and quality.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-standard kitchens; passion for vegetarian/vegan cooking is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Take the next step in your career now, scroll down to read the full role description and make your application.
Terre Terre (Brighton) is an award-winning, independently owned vegetarian & vegan restaurant known for imaginative, high-quality cooking. We are hiring a Junior Sous Chef who is ambitious, calm under pressure, and genuinely loves developing people and standards. You will be an excellent all-rounder: creative, organised, and trusted to lead from the front.
Coming from outside vegetarian/vegan kitchens is absolutely fine; what matters most is that you have trained in quality-led, high-standard restaurants and you care about great ingredients, confident technique, flavour, seasonality, and sustainability. If you are a Senior Chef de Partie ready for the next step, we are open to appointing at CDP level with a clear development plan into Junior Sous responsibilities.
Job Type, Pay & Package
- Full-time, permanent.
- Competitive salary & share of tronc depending on level and experience.
- Company pension.
- Discounted or free staff meals / meals on duty.
- Staff/employee discounts (food & beverage).
- Uniform provided.
- Internal and external training + genuine career development.
- Company events.
The Role
Reporting to the senior kitchen team and working closely with the owners, this is a hands-on, high-impact role at the heart of service. You will help run a fast-paced, supportive kitchen driving consistency, pace, and quality, supporting menu execution, and mentoring the team. You will also play a key part in planning and organisation (prep, rota support, stock and ordering), ensuring every service is smooth, calm, and on standard.
Why Join Terre Terre
- Work in a well-established, respected independent restaurant with a genuinely creative menu.
- Learn refined vegetarian/vegan cooking and how to cook to a wide range of dietary requirements (training provided).
- Strong standards, clear recipes and systems so you can focus on execution and improvement.
- A supportive team culture built on respect, good communication, and doing things properly.
- Real progression for the right person (including a step-up pathway from Senior CDP to Junior Sous).
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver consistent, well-executed dishes to recipe, quality and presentation standards.
- Own your section: prep planning, mise en place, service set-up and close-down.
- Lead and support junior chefs during prep and service; set the pace, tone and standard.
- Maintain excellent hygiene, food safety, labelling and kitchen organisation.
- Support prep lists and service planning to keep the kitchen efficient and calm.
- Monitor timing, quality control and communication across the pass and sections.
- Assist with stock control, ordering and equipment care (greater responsibility at Junior Sous level).
- Contribute ideas for fresh, seasonal dishes and continuous menu development.
What We're Looking For
- Junior Sous: sustained experience at Junior Sous level (1+ year preferred/required).
- Ambitious Step-up Senior CDP: strong section leadership in a similar fresh-food kitchen, ready to take on stock, planning and wider team responsibility.
- An excellent all-rounder with strong cooking skills across sections, and the ability to follow precise recipes and checklists.
- Quality experience in a busy, fresh-food, high-standard kitchen (strong systems, consistency and pace).
- Creative flair, attention to detail, and pride in consistency, timing, and standards.
- Ambitious, proactive, and hungry to learn; someone who takes ownership and drives improvement day to day.
- Confident leadership: able to manage, inspire and develop others, and raise standards through example.
- Excellent communication, organisation, and ability to perform under pressure.
- Open to learning refined vegetarian/vegan cooking (training provided; experience welcome but not essential).
- A strong all-rounder who is happy to turn your hand to anything, get stuck in, and stay flexible to meet the needs of the kitchen.
Schedule & Location
Based in Brighton (BN1 1HQ), in person. Weekend availability required; overtime available. Typically 30-48 hours. Expect 2 days off per week (often 2-3 days off depending on rota).
Eligibility
Right to work in the UK. English language required.
How to Apply
Please apply via the apply button below sending your CV and a short covering letter telling us whether you are applying as a Senior Chef de Partie (with progression) or as a Junior Sous Chef, and what you would like to develop next.
Junior Sous Chef employer: Terre à Terre
Contact Detail:
Terre à Terre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant! Before your interview, check out Terre Terre's menu and vibe. This shows you're genuinely interested and helps you connect with the team during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! If you're stepping up from a Senior Chef de Partie, brush up on your leadership and mentoring techniques. Be ready to share how you can inspire and develop others in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to talk about sustainability and seasonality. Since Terre Terre focuses on vegetarian and vegan dishes, show your passion for great ingredients and how you can contribute to their creative menu.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personal Cover Letter: When writing your cover letter, make it personal! Share why you're excited about the Junior Sous Chef role at Terre Terre and how your experience aligns with our values. We want to see your passion for vegetarian and vegan cooking shine through!
Show Off Your Experience: In your CV, highlight your relevant experience in high-standard kitchens. We’re looking for someone who’s not just skilled but also understands the importance of quality ingredients and sustainability. Make sure to mention any leadership roles or responsibilities you've had!
Be Clear About Your Ambitions: Whether you’re applying as a Junior Sous Chef or a Senior Chef de Partie ready to step up, be clear about your career goals in your application. We love ambitious chefs who are eager to learn and grow with us, so let us know what you want to develop next!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Terre Terre and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Terre à Terre
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the key ingredients used in vegetarian and vegan cooking. Be ready to discuss your favourite seasonal produce and how you would incorporate them into dishes. This shows your passion for quality ingredients and creativity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led a team or mentored junior chefs in previous roles. Highlight specific situations where you set the pace or improved standards, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for in a Junior Sous Chef.
✨Demonstrate Calm Under Pressure
Think of scenarios where you’ve successfully managed a busy service. Be ready to share how you maintained quality and organisation during peak times, as this will resonate with their need for someone who can thrive in a fast-paced kitchen.
✨Be Open to Learning
Express your eagerness to learn refined vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques. Mention any relevant training or experiences that have prepared you for this role, showing that you’re proactive about your professional development.