Senior Sous Chef

Job Summary
We're on the hunt for an outstanding Senior Sous Chef to join our experienced kitchen brigade at The Gurnard's Head.

The Gurnard's Head is a much-loved restaurant with rooms on the wild north coast of Cornwall, just outside Zennor and voted one of the top 50 Gastro pubs in the UK.

We're known for proper hospitality, a relaxed dining room, and a kitchen that focuses on simple, seasonal food cooked well. Our menus change with the seasons, our ingredients are local where possible, and the atmosphere is busy, friendly and occasionally a little chaotic in the best possible way

If you're the sort of chef who can run a service without losing your sense of humour, keep a kitchen organised, and still care about the small details that make food great - we'd love to hear from you.

This is a full-time, permanent position, offering 42 - 48 + hours over 5 days, with two consecutive days off. No split shifts here!

Salary: Up to £39,250 + Overtime and tips (pro rata to hours worked)
Hours: 42 - 48 hours per week, over 5 days (2 consecutive days off)
Start date: November 2026

What you'll be doing:

Helping run the kitchen day-to-day (with the Head Chef keeping an eye on things), making sure everything lives up to the EDS standards and our guests leave happy, full, and already planning their next visit.
Being a champion of the EDS way of doing things: integrity always, generosity where possible, fairness across the team, and proper hospitality for our guests. In short: be a good human.
Keeping the kitchen looking spotless and ship-shape, both inside and out. If it sparkles, you're doing it right.
Keeping the conversation flowing throughout the day with other departments - especially Front of House and the House Managers - so everyone knows what's happening before service kicks off.
Helping lead the kitchen team day to day: sharing tasks fairly, making sure training is happening, and ensuring everyone knows what they're doing (and ideally why).
Supporting the Head Chef with recruitment and developing the team, following the EDS Homegrown approach - spotting talent, nurturing it, and helping people grow.
To maintain good comms within the team and successfully manage rotas, holiday requests staff absence.
Staying on top of guest needs each day, especially dietary requirements or special requests - because nobody likes surprises at the pass.
Keeping an eye on expected footfall and working with FOH to plan staffing accordingly so the kitchen runs smoothly
Daily supervision of the basic H&S requirements of the Kitchen to include food safety, fire safety and workplace behaviours. To report on any specific issue or events.
Jumping on maintenance issues quickly - whether that means fixing it yourself, looping in a House Manager, calling the right contractor, or leaving a clear note on a handover
Keeping track of food waste and stock so we stay efficient and hit our GP targets (and avoid throwing away good ingredients).

What we're looking for:

Around 2 years' experience in a similar kitchen role, ideally somewhere busy and comparable.
Experience leading and managing a large kitchen team, both alongside and in the absence of the Head Chef
Someone self-motivated, positive, and good at communicating with both the kitchen team and the wider FOH crew.
Experience with menu development and a genuine passion for good food
Consistency in delivering great dishes, backed by strong product knowledge and attention to detail.
Excellent organisation and planning skills - because kitchens move fast.
Experience handling food ordering, stock control, product rotation, and waste management.
Confidence managing kitchen equipment and the general day-to-day running of the kitchen.
Someone who enjoys training, mentoring, and developing others in the team.

Perks of the job:

Free stays at other EDS locations - because even the best need a break
25% discount on food & drinks at any EDS site
Share of tips pool, managed by Tronc Manager, pro rata to hours worked
Sick pay: 2 weeks full pay + 2 weeks at half pay
BUPA Health & Dental Insurance
Regular team social events - the kind you'll actually enjoy
Free meals while on duty - Delicious and no washing up!
Christmas Day and Boxing day off - always
Your birthday as an additional day holiday
Recruitment bonus if you recommend someone to work with us
Members of Hospitality Action
Cycle to work scheme, greener commutes, healthier you
A supportive, down to earth team and arguably one of the best locations in Cornwall

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to £39,250.00 per year

Benefits:
Company events
Company pension
Discounted or free food
Employee discount
Free parking
On-site parking

Work Location: In person