Junior Sous Chef

Contract Type: Full-time, permanent, site-based, 5 days over 7 days per week

Location: RHS Garden Wisley

Salary: Up to £33,000 per annum

As the Junior Sous Chef at RHS Garden Wisley you will support the Head Chef in the day‑to‑day running of the Food Hall Kitchen, ensuring the smooth delivery of high‑quality, seasonal, and consistent food. The Junior Sous Chef will act as a key operational leader in the kitchen, taking responsibility for food production, service standards, team supervision, and maintaining the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) with accurate and up‑to‑date record keeping.

• A collaborative and inclusive culture where your ideas are valued and creativity is encouraged.
• The chance to work in a truly beautiful and inspiring setting surrounded by nature and stunning gardens.
• 20 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays and national holiday days)
• Free parking on site
• Free staff meals whilst at work
• Access to Compass Group company perks & benefits
• Perks for Works discounts and promotions
• Access to training, mentoring and development with support from our wider Restaurant Associates and Compass Group UK networks
• On‑site F&B discounts

• Ensure all dishes produced in the Food Hall are of a consistently high standard in line with RA Venues’ expectations.
• Support the delivery of menus that reflect seasonality, quality and sustainability.
• Maintain excellent presentation and adherence to brand standards across all dishes and counters.
• Assist with responding to guest feedback on food quality and allergen queries.
• Uphold Wisley’s values and contribute to a welcoming and engaging experience for guests.
• Support the Head Chef in launching new menus and seasonal changes.
• Maintain high visual standards of counters, displays, and hot/cold food offerings.
• Contribute ideas for specials, menu development and promotions where appropriate.
• Assist with effective portion control and accurate recipe adherence.
• Support stock control processes including ordering, rotation, and minimising waste.
• Ensure mise en place is planned efficiently to support volume and reduce labour inefficiencies.
• Ensure full adherence to the Food Safety Management System (FSMS).
• Maintain all daily, weekly and monthly food safety documentation, ensuring it is completed accurately and on time.
• Support allergen management procedures and ensure the team follows correct labelling and handling practices.
• Adhere to and promote RA Venues’ standards in health & safety, hygiene, and due diligence.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and organisation in all kitchen areas.
• Ensure safe working practices and model correct behaviours.
• Ensure all incidents, near misses and hazards are reported.
• Support training of team members on safe systems of work and allergen awareness.
• Supervise and support the kitchen team during prep, service and close‑down.
• Assist with training commis chefs and CDPs to consistently meet standards.
• Help maintain a positive, collaborative and respectful kitchen culture.
• Support onboarding of new team members and encourage personal development.

• 3+ years’ experience as a Chef de Partie or Senior Chef de Partie in a high‑quality, volume‑led kitchen.
• Strong cooking skills and understanding of seasonality.
• Knowledge of food safety, health & safety and allergen management.
• Experience supervising others in a kitchen environment.
• Ability to complete food safety records accurately.
• Experience in contract catering or visitor‑attraction venues.
• Level 2 or 3 food safety qualifications.
• Interest in bakery, deli or counter‑style service.

Restaurant Associates is a leading premium hospitality provider with an ethos drawn from our history of fine and high‑quality dining in London and New York. We operate in a range of iconic visitor attractions and destinations across the UK, providing bespoke cafés, restaurants and private events. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, diverse, fun and dynamic place to work, with a commitment to sustainability‑led practices and the achievement of three stars with the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good Programme.

Restaurant Associates is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.