Sous Chef Opportunity at Denstone Hall Farm Shop & Café – Join Our Supportive Team
Are you a passionate and skilled chef looking to take the next step in your career with a role that allows you to support a growing team, all while enjoying daytime hours and the perfect work-life balance? Denstone Hall Farm Shop & Café, a family-owned business nestled in the heart of the beautiful Staffordshire countryside, is looking for a dedicated Sous Chef to join our kitchen team. We are committed to creating exceptional dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a warm and welcoming environment.
As Sous Chef, you play a key leadership role in the daily running of the kitchen, supporting the Head Chef and stepping up when needed. You're responsible for helping the team deliver consistent, high-quality food in a calm, well-organised kitchen. This means guiding prep, leading service, mentoring others, and being a visible role model for how we work.
You'll be part of the wider leadership team working closely with the Front of House Manager and fellow HODs to keep things running smoothly across the café.
What You'll Lead and Support
Kitchen Team & Culture
* Support the Head Chef in leading the kitchen team through prep and service
* Help plan daily tasks, breaks, and coverage to ensure smooth operations
* Build a respectful, inclusive culture that's calm and well-structured
* Coach and mentor junior chefs, spotting potential and supporting development
* Step up with confidence when the Head Chef is away, keep standards high and service on track
Kitchen Operations & Standards
* Take ownership of daily kitchen systems: cleaning schedules, checklists, ordering, and prep
* Maintain 5-star EHO standards, including hygiene, allergens, and HACCP
* Manage deliveries, stock checks, and stock rotation to avoid waste and ensure quality
* Flag issues early, from equipment to process gaps; and work with the Head Chef to fix them
* Ensure the kitchen is safe, clean, well-stocked, and ready for each day
Food Quality & Service
* Ensure food is cooked to spec, consistent in quality, and on-brand for DHFS & Café
* Train the team to follow spec sheets and prep standards
* Help develop new dishes and seasonal specials in collaboration with the Head Chef
* Support service pace and flow, lead the pass and any of the stations when required
* Be a point of contact for resolving any kitchen-side customer issues calmly and professionally
Cross-Team Collaboration
* Work closely with the FOH Manager and team to ensure a "one café" experience
* Keep communication clear, timely, and professional across teams
* Contribute to café-wide events, seasonal planning, and service improvements
* Be visible as a team leader across departments not just in the kitchen
What Success Looks Like
* A well-run, safe kitchen that runs calmly and efficiently day to day
* Food that's consistent, well-prepped, and aligned to our seasonal ethos
* A team that feels supported, confident, and well-led
* Strong collaboration between BOH and FOH
* Clean systems, minimal waste, and smart stock practices
* You're a trusted second-in-command who leads by example and lifts others with you.
Why Join Us?
* Enjoy a peaceful, rural work environment with beautiful surroundings.
* Be part of a supportive, family-oriented team that values your contribution.
* Daytime hours, with no late-night shifts—perfect for a better work-life balance.
* Opportunity to develop your culinary skills and grow within a growing business.
* Work with the finest local produce and help create exceptional dishes.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Expected hours: 24 per week
Application question(s):
* What interested you about this role and working at Denstone Hall Farm Shop & Café?
Work Location: In person