Sous Chef (Casual)

Location: West Dean, West Sussex
Contract: Casual
Hours: As and when required
Pay: £16.31 per hour, plus 12.07% holiday pay

About the Role

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Sous Chef to join our casual kitchen team at West Dean.

This is a hands-on role supporting the day-to-day running of our kitchens across the estate. Working closely with the Food Production Manager and kitchen team, you will help deliver high-quality food to students, visitors and guests across a range of outlets, including the College Dining Room, Gardens Kitchen, Tea Rooms and private events.

You will support the supervision and development of the kitchen team, helping to maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, customer service, food hygiene and health and safety. You will also contribute to menu planning, food production, stock control and cost management, while helping to minimise waste and make the most of seasonal produce from the West Dean Gardens.

This is a varied and flexible opportunity to work in a creative food environment, with shifts available as and when required.

About You

You will be an experienced and enthusiastic chef with experience working at a similar level of responsibility. You will have a passion for food, strong kitchen knowledge and the ability to maintain high standards in a busy and varied environment.

You will be organised, adaptable and a confident communicator, with the ability to work collaboratively and support other members of the team. You will ideally have experience of supervising or supporting a catering team, alongside an understanding of food costing, stock management and kitchen operations.

You will have a proactive and flexible approach, with a commitment to high standards of food hygiene, health and safety and customer service. Relevant food hygiene and allergen awareness training is desirable, although training can be provided where required.

What We Offer

£16.31 per hour, plus 12.07% holiday pay

Paid breaks, a free meal on qualifying shifts and free on-site parking at our Sussex site.

The opportunity to work across a unique and varied estate, supporting a range of food outlets, events and visitor experiences.

If you are passionate about food and would like to join our team, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the West Dean Careers site.

Deadline for applications: 10 September 2026

Interview date to be confirmed.

• Please view the Casual Sous Chef Job Pack 08 2026 document (opens in a pop up)