Sous Chef- Springfields Garden Centre

Are you a passionate, driven Sous Chef who thrives on fresh ingredients, seasonal menus, and delivering exceptional food in a vibrant daytime dining environment? The Parlour Restaurant at Springfields Garden Centre is looking for a talented Sous Chef to join our close-knit kitchen team. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key leadership role in a kitchen that values quality, creativity, and consistency — while enjoying an excellent work-life balance with no evening service.

Working closely with the Head Chef, you will help lead the kitchen operation, inspire the team, and ensure every dish reflects the highest standards expected by our loyal customers.

What We Offer

• 40 hours per week, 8:00am – 4:30pm
• No split shifts or evening work
• Supportive, professional kitchen environment
• Creative input into seasonal menus and specials
• Staff meals and garden centre discounts
• Opportunity to grow within an established hospitality team

The Role

As Sous Chef, you will support the Head Chef in the smooth and efficient running of the kitchen. You will take a hands-on leadership role during service, ensuring consistency, quality, and pace across all sections.

You will help drive menu development, maintain kitchen standards, and support the team in delivering fresh, seasonal dishes that reflect the identity of The Parlour Restaurant.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Kitchen Leadership & Service

• Support the Head Chef in managing day-to-day kitchen operations
• Lead sections during service and ensure smooth coordination across the kitchen
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency
• Supervise and support junior chefs, providing guidance and training
• Step up in the absence of the Head Chef when required

Food Preparation & Menu Development

• Oversee preparation and execution of seasonal dishes
• Contribute ideas for menu development, specials, and improvements
• Ensure all dishes are produced to specification and standard
• Maintain excellent portion control, speed, and consistency

Kitchen Operations

• Assist with stock management, ordering, and supplier communication
• Monitor food costs, waste control, and kitchen efficiency
• Ensure mise en place is completed to a high standard
• Maintain smooth workflow across all sections

Food Safety & Compliance

• Uphold the highest food hygiene and safety standards
• Ensure full compliance with HACCP procedures
• Maintain correct storage, labelling, and dating of all food items
• Keep all kitchen areas clean, organised, and audit-ready

Teamwork & Communication

• Lead by example with a calm, positive attitude
• Support training and development of junior kitchen staff
• Communicate effectively with front-of-house and management teams
• Promote a strong, respectful, and motivated kitchen culture

About you

Essential

• Experience as a Senior Chef de Partie or Sous Chef in a professional kitchen
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Passion for fresh, seasonal cooking
• Ability to perform under pressure in a busy service environment
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Strong understanding of food safety and kitchen procedures
• Reliable, proactive, and team-focused

Desirable

• Experience in café, restaurant, or garden centre dining
• Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain)
• Experience supporting menu development
• Confidence leading a team during service

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about food and proud of their craft
• A natural leader who inspires others
• Calm, focused, and solutions-driven
• Creative with a strong eye for detail
• Committed to maintaining consistently high standards

If you are a dedicated Sous Chef looking for daytime hours, real leadership responsibility, and a supportive kitchen environment, we would love to hear from you.