Sous Chef

Sous Chef – Spider is advertising on behalf of our client who is seeking a full‑time, permanent Sous Chef to join the team at their prestigious and well‑established club in Chelmsford, Essex

They are known for their warm hospitality, high‑quality dining, and well‑maintained facilities. As part of the culinary team, you’ll contribute to a respected food offering enjoyed by members, guests, and event attendees throughout the year.

• Competitive Salary: Up to £35,000 per annum depending on experience
• Holiday: 28 days per year
• Additional: Contributory pension scheme, straight shifts and consistent hours

As a Sous Chef
, you will support the Head Chef in the day‑to‑day running of the kitchen, contributing to the preparation and delivery of high‑quality food across the Bar, Restaurant, Function Rooms, and Carter Cabin. You will also lead the kitchen team in the absence of the Head Chef, ensuring smooth and efficient service. This is a hands‑on role where you’ll collaborate closely with the Head Chef and Front of House Manager to maintain the club’s excellent standards of food and hospitality.

Working hours for this role are 40 per week, with the expectation to work weekends and holidays as needed, along with flexibility based on the needs of the business.

• Support the Head Chef with daily kitchen operations, food preparation, and leading the team in their absence to maintain consistent quality and service.
• Supervise, motivate, and develop kitchen staff, including training new and junior team members.
• Oversee mise en place, ensuring all sections are fully prepared for daily menus and special events.
• Maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene, including stock rotation, accurate record‑keeping, and equipment cleanliness, supporting the club’s 5‑star hygiene rating.
• Manage stock levels, check deliveries, minimise waste, and support ordering processes to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
• Collaborate with Front of House teams for seamless service and contribute creative ideas for menu development and seasonal dishes.

As a Sous Chef
, you will be hardworking, reliable, and passionate about delivering excellent food, with at least two years’ experience as a Sous Chef or strong Chef de Partie in a busy, high‑quality, food‑led environment. You should be confident leading the team when required, calm under pressure, highly organised, and committed to maintaining high standards across all kitchen operations. Ideally, you will hold NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent), Food Hygiene Level 2 or above, and be competent in allergen management, food safety, and following recipes accurately.

Familiarity with Outlook, EPOS systems, and basic Excel is beneficial.

If you have all the relevant skills and experience for the Sous Chef role and would like to be considered, please apply by forwarding an up‑to‑date CV as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.

No recruitment agencies, please