Sous Chef

Salary£ Up to 35 000, depending on experience

28 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JX

Vacancy listed
10/08/2026

Sous Chef

Reporting to: Head Chef

Hours of work
: 45 contracted hours/ week

Salary: Up to £35 000 p/a, depending on experience

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is part of the Artisanal Spirits Co and was formed from the unconventional. We think a little bit differently and have made it our mission to build our whisky community by offering a valuable membership experience that attracts and inspires involvement. We host the world’s most colourful whisky experiences, bringing members together and having fun along the way.

SMWS is recognised for its award-winning whiskies and unique and playful approach.

The Society’s mission is to grow our membership while ensuring everyone appreciates a sense of belonging to a like-minded community of whisky lovers. We are now renowned as the world’s leading whisky club, bringing an international community together to share in a constant variety of exceptional and multi award-winning single cask whiskies, enjoyed at colourful whisky tastings, festivals, and events.

Our teams share a common spirit, and an ability to get things done. We have shared goals and behaviours:
Respect, Grit and Determination, Innovation and Progression, driven by unique people where diversity in thought and action is our core strength.

This is a key leadership role within our catering team. The Sous Chef supports the Head Chef in the day-to-day management of the kitchen, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality food and service standards. The role requires excellent culinary skills, strong organisational abilities, and the confidence to lead and develop a team in a fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will help drive kitchen performance, maintain exceptional food quality, and foster a positive and inclusive team culture. They will deputise for the Head Chef in their absence and play an active role in training, coaching and motivating kitchen staff. This role is a temporary maternity cover and full-time.

• Support the Head Chef in the overall management and operation of the kitchen.
• Lead, motivate and supervise kitchen team members to ensure high levels of performance and engagement.
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of dishes to the highest standards, following recipes, specifications and presentation guidelines.
• Ensure a smooth and efficient service, managing workload and resources effectively during busy periods.
• Assist with staff training, onboarding and ongoing development of junior chefs and kitchen assistants.
• Conduct day-to-day people management activities, including performance support, coaching and delegation of duties.
• Ensure all food safety, health and safety, and hygiene standards are adhered to at all times.
• Monitor stock levels, support ordering processes, and help minimise waste whilst maintaining cost controls.
• Assist with menu development, seasonal food offerings and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support the Head Chef with rota planning and labour management to ensure appropriate staffing levels.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and equipment maintenance throughout the kitchen.
• Act as the lead kitchen contact in the absence of the Head Chef.

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef, or an experienced Chef de Partie looking to progress into a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, food preparation and kitchen operations.
• Previous experience supervising, coaching or developing team members.
• Demonstrable leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse team.
• Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP principles and health and safety requirements.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• High standards of personal presentation and professionalism.
• Ability to use initiative, solve problems and make decisions confidently.
• Passion for food, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Flexible approach to work and willingness to…