Stewarts Garden Center Inc
Sous Chef - Stewarts Abbey (Titchfield)
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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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
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What You'll Need
- 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.
What Makes Someone Successful In This Role?
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.
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Being a great team player is just as important as being a great Chef. You’ll build positive relationships with your colleagues, communicate clearly and help create a kitchen environment where everyone knows what is expected of them and feels supported.
You’ll also be commercially aware, looking for ways to reduce waste, improve efficiency and maximise opportunities to increase sales without compromising the quality of our food.
Most importantly, you’ll bring energy, enthusiasm and a can-do attitude to the kitchen every day.
What's It Like Working At Stewarts?
- Supportive, close-knit team.
- A family-run business with strong values and heritage.
- An opportunity to make a real impact on both the customer journey and the success of the centre.
- Be part of a business that values personal development and supports its people to grow and succeed.
Benefits
- Generous staff discount in garden centres and coffee shops.
- Free on-site parking.
- Additional day off to celebrate your birthday!
- Opportunities to attend seasonal events.
The Practical Details
- Contract Type: Permanent – 40 hours per week (including alternate weekends)
- Location: Stewarts Abbey Garden Centre, Mill Lane, Titchfield, Hampshire, PO15 5RB
- Reports to: Head Chef
- Salary: £13.97 per hour
How To Apply
If you have a passion for food and delivering great customer service we'd love to hear from you!
To apply, please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter to:
HR Department, D Stewart & Son Ltd, 8 Christchurch Business Park, Radar Way, Christchurch BH23 4FL
Or e-mail: jobs@stewarts.co.uk
Please Note: CVs that do not have an accompanying cover letter will not be considered.
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