Sous Chef – Cook with Fire, Soil, and Sea on a Remote Scottish Island
Imagine starting your day with a delivery of freshly harvested vegetables from the island's kitchen garden. Baskets of kale, herbs, courgettes, tomatoes arrive at the door, still carrying the scent of the soil. Alongside this, freshly caught fish from surrounding waters, or locally sourced venison. Baking sourdough rolls, making preserves, cooking for appreciative guests and crew.
This is a chef's daily life on Tanera.
We are part of a forward-thinking restoration and hospitality project, rooted in sustainability, community, and creativity. Our aim is to create something truly special: authentic guest experiences in one of the most stunning landscapes in Scotland, with food and hospitality at the heart of everything we do.
Food here is not an afterthought. It is a celebration of season, land and sea. Our ethos is to cook thoughtfully, waste little, and share wholesome, nourishing food with everyone on the island — from our hardworking crew to our valued guests.
At the centre of the island's food offering is our state-of-the-art central production kitchen (CPU). It's fitted with cutting edge equipment, giving the team the tools to work efficiently and creatively at scale without losing craft. But this is no ordinary kitchen role: some of our cooking also happens outdoors and over fire, in more than 15 unique locations across the island.
As Sous Chef, you'll be joining a friendly, passionate, and caring team of chefs and kitchen porters, who support each other and take pride in delivering healthy, nourishing meals. You will work closely with the Head Chef to shape our kitchen offering, oversee day-to-day operations, and step up to lead with kindness and grace when needed. You'll help guide the team through the rhythm of the seasons, creating menus that make the most of what's available, and delivering dishes that are as memorable as the place they're served in.
What we're looking for
* At least 2 years' experience at Sous Chef level or higher (though all applications considered)
* A love for seasonal, garden-led cooking, with respect for ingredients delivered fresh from our gardeners and suppliers
* Strong pastry and baking skills — we bake our own breads, cakes, and desserts daily for crew and guests
* Organisational skills and the ability to positively collaborate across teams — from gardeners and waiters to builders and boatmen
* A holistic view of food: caring about sustainability, nutrition, and the people you cook for
* Enthusiasm for both traditional kitchen work and the adventure of outdoor fire cooking
Your responsibilities
* Leading food preparation and delegating tasks with clarity and care
* Cooking meals for crew and guests, balancing scale and creativity
* Working with the Head Chef on menus and new recipes that tell the story of the island
* Creating and delivering pastry and bakery items, including breads, cakes, and desserts
* Supporting, mentoring, and inspiring other chefs in the team
* Maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene, and sustainability
* Managing stocks, orders, and planning in line with seasonal availability
* Occasionally engaging directly with guests, sharing your skills and passion
* Staying overnight on the island when needed to be part of the rhythm of island life
What we offer
* A generous salary based on your experience
* 33 days' annual leave including public holidays
* Company pension scheme
* Discretionary bonus
* Staff accommodation available
We are committed to being an inclusive employer with a diverse and representative workforce. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
If you're a chef who thrives on creativity, collaboration, and the chance to work in one of Scotland's most extraordinary kitchens with the friendliest team, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* On-site parking
* Private medical insurance
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person