Sous Chef
Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh Arboretum Place EH3 5NZ
£32,000pa + excellent benefits
40hrs pw 5/7 to include some evenings and weekends
Requirement for Food Hygiene Level 3 as a minimum
The world-famous Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh have a fantastic permanent opportunity for a Sous Chef to join a unique sanctuary where truly magical events flourish.Set in 70 acres of abundant gardens, it commands panoramic views of Edinburgh’s iconic city skyline, and just a mile north of the centre, it's a treasure trove of natural wonders dating back more than 350 years.
Job Introduction
We’re looking for a talented and passionate Sous Chefto lead the culinary vision at one of Scotland’s most iconic venues – the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE).
This is a unique opportunity to bring creativity, sustainability, and innovation to life across a diverse range of outlets, including the John Hope Gateway Café, Arboretum Suite, mobile units, and events catering.Unlike a restaurant kitchen, this role brings together the best of both worlds: fresh, seasonal daytime café menus and elegant event dining experiences after hours.
You’ll be the driving force behind a high-performing kitchen team, inspiring excellence in food quality, safety, and service.With a focus on sustainability, local produce, and menu innovation, you’ll play a key role in shaping the guest experience at this beautiful and dynamic location.
We are looking for a natural leader with a passion for exceptional food, sustainability, and people.This is your chance to work in one of Edinburgh’s most stunning and unique venues.If you’re a creative, hands-on chef with a passion for sustainability and innovation, we’d love to hear from you.
What You'll Do:
Lead and inspire a skilled kitchen brigade, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and collaboration.
Oversee day-to-day operations across retail cafés, events, and plated service.
Champion sustainability, working closely with the RBGE gardening team to align seasonal menus with produce grown on-site.
Drive culinary innovation, ensuring our food offer reflects the heritage, creativity, and natural beauty of the gardens.
Manage financial performance – maintaining a food cost of 23% or less and labour costs of 22%.
Ensure full compliance with HACCP, COSHH, health and safety, and food hygiene standards.
Support growth initiatives, identifying new opportunities to enhance the guest experience and drive revenue.
Develop your team, ensuring training, progression, and succession planning are embedded across the kitchen.
What You Bring:
Essential:
Proven experience as a Sous Chef in a high-volume, quality-driven environment.
Strong menu development and cost control skills.
A creative flair for combining seasonal, sustainable ingredients into inspiring dishes.
Excellent knowledge of food safety and compliance (Intermediate Food Hygiene as minimum).
Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team.
Strong organisational and communication skills.
Desirable:
IOSH qualification.
Advanced Food Hygiene Certificate.
Experience with sustainability-led or visitor attraction venues.
What we offer:
Working with Heritage Portfolio is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:
Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.
The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.
A Death-in-Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo
Flexible and dynamic work environment
Access to ongoing training and development programs
Countless opportunities to grow within the company. Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer.We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.
Keywords:
Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef, Heritage Portfolio, Culinary Leadership, Menu Innovation, Sustainable Dining, Seasonal Produce, Food Cost Management, Health and Safety Compliance, Visitor Attraction Catering, Team Development, Event Catering, Creative Cuisine, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh