Location: Food-led pub, Tunbridge Wells
Rate: £17.37 per hour
Hours: Temporary; shifts and days vary
Contract: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Ongoing | approx 24 hours pw

Temporary Sous Chef – Food-led Pub, Tunbridge Wells

Chefs for Chefs is recruiting an experienced Temporary Sous Chef to support kitchen operations at a popular food-led pub in Tunbridge Wells. This is a great short-term opportunity for a confident, hands-on culinary professional who can maintain high standards of food quality and consistency, support the Head Chef during service, and help manage a small team in a busy, friend-focused pub environment.

Role Overview

As Temporary Sous Chef, you will assist in running service and production on shift, ensure dishes meet the pub’s recipe and presentation standards, supervise junior staff, and uphold food safety and cost control measures. You will work closely with the Head Chef and front-of-house team to deliver a positive guest experience and adapt to daily specials and cover variations.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in preparing, cooking, and plating high-quality pub dishes, ensuring consistency and presentation standards are met.

• Lead the kitchen team during your shift, providing clear communication and direction to ensure smooth service.

• Manage mise en place, service prep, and end-of-service routines to maintain efficiency and speed of service.

• Maintain strict adherence to food hygiene, HACCP procedures, and allergen management at all times.

• Assist with stock control, monitor deliveries, and work to minimise food waste and control food costs.

• Coach and support junior kitchen staff, delivering practical on-the-job training and constructive feedback.

• Adapt to menu changes, daily specials, and variable covers with composure and a problem-solving approach.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef, Senior Chef, or similar role in a pub, bistro, or casual-dining restaurant.

• Strong practical cooking skills with attention to portion control, consistency, and presentation.

• Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate (or equivalent) and solid allergen awareness; HACCP experience essential.

• Good leadership and communication skills with the ability to run a shift and motivate a small team.

• Organised, reliable, and able to work under pressure during busy service periods.

• Flexible availability for temporary shifts, including weekends and evenings, with the ability to respond to short-notice bookings.

Working Details & Pay

• Location: Food-led pub, Tunbridge Wells

• Contract: Temporary assignment (length varies; immediate starts possible)

• Rate: £17.37 per hour (includes holiday pay where applicable)

• Meals on duty: Typically provided

Why Work With Us

Chefs for Chefs specialise in hospitality placements and support chefs through flexible, well-paid temporary work. We offer:

• Competitive hourly pay with reliable weekly payments.

• Flexible temporary assignments to suit your availability.

• Opportunities to gain varied experience in food-led pubs and independent venues.

• Chef-led office team who understand kitchen life and provide practical support.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced, dependable Sous Chef ready for a temporary role in a Tunbridge Wells pub, please contact Chefs for Chefs with an up-to-date CV and your availability. Suitable applicants will be contacted for an initial phone call and may be asked to attend a short interview or a trial shift.

Chefs for Chefs is committed to equal opportunities. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified applicants regardless of age, gender, religion, belief, race, sexual orientation, or disability. We operate as both an employment agency and an employment business.