Sous Chef

Overview

Second Chef – Lead Breakfast Brilliance at Derbyshire\’s No.1 Village Brunch Spot!

Location: Ockbrook, Derby

Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Days: Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays)

Type: Full-Time

The Role

We’re looking for a talented, passionate Second Chef to help lead the charge in one of Derbyshire’s most loved kitchens. If you live for breakfast and brunch, love working in a dynamic team, and want to make your mark on a creative, seasonal menu, this could be your dream role.

You’ll be a key player in our kitchen operations, working side-by-side with our Head Chef to deliver consistently delicious dishes, shape menu development, and keep service running smoothly. With a loyal customer base and fast-paced mornings, this role is perfect for someone who thrives under pressure and wants to help steer the future of a thriving independent restaurant.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Cooking and presenting breakfast and lunch dishes to a consistently high standard
• Playing a vital role in menu development and daily kitchen operations
• Leading the kitchen when the Head Chef is away
• Managing stock rotation, ordering, and inventory
• Upholding top tier food hygiene and health & safety standards
• Assisting with prep for occasional evening bistro events
• Collaborating with a tight-knit, passionate kitchen and front-of-house team

What We’re Looking For

• 3–5 years of professional kitchen experience, including time in a leadership or supervisory role
• A genuine love of breakfast food and morning culture
• Cool, confident, and focused under pressure
• Organised, reliable, and able to lead a team when needed
• High attention to detail and a strong work ethic
• A team player who takes pride in great food and service

Why Join The Apple Tree?

Be part of a well-established, independent business with 13+ years of success

Join a kitchen named Derby’s No.1 brunch spot and featured on national TV

Have a real voice in menu creativity and kitchen direction

Enjoy daytime-only hours and a great work-life balance

Receive bonus pay based on performance

Enjoy fabulous drinks, team perks, and full holiday entitlement

Work with a friendly, ambitious team that’s serious about great food

If you thrive in a fast-paced, team-focused setting and love creating unforgettable breakfasts and brunches, we’d love to hear from you.

To Apply

Send your CV and a covering letter.

Let me know if you\’d like a version adapted for Indeed, Instagram, or a short-form version for a poster.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits

• Company pension
• Free parking

Application question(s)

• What culinary training do you have?

Experience

• Kitchen: 4 years (required)

Work authorisation

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location

In person