Sous Chef

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Sous Chef to join the kitchen team at our Stewarts Abbey Coffee Shop.

Working closely with the Head Chef, you’ll play an important role in delivering the high standards of food, service and hospitality that our customers expect. You’ll help create fresh, homemade dishes using quality, locally sourced ingredients, while supporting the day‑to‑day running of a busy kitchen.

You’ll take responsibility for the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence, providing clear direction and support to the team and making sure everything runs smoothly. From maintaining food quality and hygiene standards to managing stock and supporting the team, you’ll be someone the kitchen can rely on.

This is a hands‑on role where no two days are quite the same, with opportunities to contribute ideas, support seasonal menu changes and help make our Coffee Shop a great place for both our customers and our team.

• Support the Head Chef with the day-to-day running of the kitchen and take the lead in their absence.
• Prepare, cook and present a range of fresh, homemade dishes to a consistently high standard.
• Help lead, motivate and support the kitchen team, providing direction during busy periods.
• Organise and prioritise workloads to ensure food is prepared and service runs smoothly.
• Order stock, check deliveries and ensure ingredients are stored correctly.
• Monitor stock levels, stock rotation, stock turn and wastage, supporting regular stocktakes.
• Identify opportunities to improve sales, margins and the overall customer experience.
• Contribute ideas for menus, seasonal changes and the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Help organise and deliver catering for events and special occasions.
• Ensure the kitchen and associated areas are clean, organised and maintained to a high standard.
• Make sure cleaning schedules are completed correctly and on time.
• Maintain accurate temperature control records for fridges, freezers and hot food.
• Ensure food hygiene, health and safety, COSHH and security procedures are followed at all times.
• Maintain kitchen equipment, fixtures, fittings and materials, reporting any issues promptly.
• Deal with day-to-day issues relating to stock, customers or the team, seeking support from the Head Chef where appropriate.
• Support the Head Chef with recruitment, training and development of kitchen team members.
• Ensure all tasks are completed efficiently and to the required standard, even during busy periods.

• Previous experience working in a professional kitchen, ideally at Sous Chef or senior Chef level.
• A genuine passion for producing high-quality, fresh and homemade food.
• Good knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques and presentation.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Good knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety and kitchen procedures.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The confidence to lead and support a team in a busy kitchen environment.
• The ability to remain calm, organised and focused when things get busy.
• A flexible approach and willingness to get stuck in wherever needed.
• A positive attitude and commitment to maintaining high standards.

The successful candidate will be hands‑on, organised and confident, with the ability to take responsibility and lead by example.

You’ll be someone who takes pride in the food you produce and cares about the experience our customers receive. You’ll have the confidence to make decisions, solve problems and keep things moving when the Head Chef is away, while knowing when to ask for support.

Being a great team player is just as important as being a great Chef. You’ll build positive relationships with your…