Sous Chef

Junior Sous Chef - German Bakery & CaféJob SummaryThe Junior Sous Chef assists the Head Chef and/or Sous Chef in the overall management of the kitchen operations, with a primary focus on the bakery, pastry, and light savory café production. This role is critical for maintaining high-quality food standards, managing kitchen staff, controlling costs, and ensuring seamless operation, especially during peak service hours and in the absence of the Head Chef.

• Key ResponsibilitiesCulinary Leadership & ProductionOversight: Supervise and actively participate in all aspects of daily food production, ensuring the highest standards of execution for traditional German baked goods (breads, pretzels, cakes, and pastries) and café menu items.
• Quality Assurance: Conduct daily quality checks on finished products, including taste, texture, portioning, and presentation, ensuring strict adherence to standardized recipes.
• Delegation: Effectively delegate tasks to the Senior CDPs, CDPs, and Commis Chefs to maintain efficient workflow and meet daily deadlines for fresh products.
• Troubleshooting: Act as the first point of contact for resolving production issues, equipment failures, and quality control problems.
• Staff Management & TrainingMentorship: Provide hands-on training and guidance to kitchen staff, focusing on advanced baking techniques, efficiency, hygiene, and German culinary traditions.
• Scheduling: Assist the Head Chef in creating and managing staff schedules, monitoring break times, and managing labour costs effectively.
• Performance: Monitor staff performance, provide constructive feedback, and contribute to performance reviews.
• Communication: Facilitate clear and consistent communication between all kitchen sections and the Front of House team regarding menu changes, stock levels, and special orders.
• Kitchen Administration & OperationsInventory Control: Take responsibility for managing inventory. Conduct regular stock counts, assist with ordering ingredients, and implement FIFO (First-In, First-Out) procedures to minimize waste and spoilage.
• Cost Management: Monitor food waste and portion control rigorously, helping the Head Chef track and maintain targeted food cost percentages.
• Hygiene & Safety: Lead the kitchen's adherence to all health, safety, and hygiene standards (HACCP). Ensure the kitchen and storage areas are spotless and inspection-ready at all times.
• Opening/Closing: Oversee and execute detailed opening and closing procedures for the kitchen, ensuring all production areas are properly secured and prepared for the next shift.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience: Minimum of 4+ years of progressive experience in a professional kitchen environment, with at least 2 years as a Chef de Partie or Senior Chef de Partie.
• Specialization: Proven, extensive experience in professional bakery and pastry operations is essential, with a strong background in German or European baking techniques being highly preferred.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and manage a small team effectively.
• Education: Formal culinary training (diploma or equivalent certification) is preferred.
• Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office or equivalent software for inventory, ordering, and scheduling tasks.
• Health & Safety: Valid Food Handler/HACCP certification.

Required Attributes

• Exceptional attention to detail and a passion for crafting high-quality baked goods.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick, informed decisions under pressure.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Dependability and flexibility to cover shifts and handle long hours, including early mornings and weekends, as required by the demands of a bakery/café.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay and growth opportunities.
• Supportive and friendly work environment.
• Opportunity to work with authentic, high-quality ingredients.
• Creative freedom in developing seasonal and specialty pastries.
• Employee discounts on bakery and café items.
• 9 hour shifts.
• Health Insurance cover