Second Chef

Second Chef

The Snooty Fox – Shalford, Guildford
Full-time | Permanent | approx 35-40 hours per week
£13.85-14.95 per hour, depending on experience | 5 shifts per week | Mainly daytime hours

About the Role

The Snooty Fox is a busy, well established independent bistro-style café in Shalford, just outside Guildford, serving freshly prepared breakfasts, brunches and lunches. We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Second Chef to become a key part of our kitchen team.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys working with fresh food, takes pride in maintaining consistently high standards and wants the opportunity to grow with an independent business.

Our kitchen is predominantly daytime-focused, serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, with some evening service and events. You will normally work five shifts per week, and wherever possible we aim to provide two consecutive days off.

As Second Chef, you will work closely with the Head Chef and management team and will be trusted to help lead the kitchen, maintain standards and keep service running smoothly.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef with the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
• Take responsibility for the kitchen and team when the Head Chef is absent.
• Prepare, cook and present consistently high-quality food.
• Help deliver smooth, organised service during busy periods.
• Maintain excellent standards of food quality, presentation and portion control.
• Support and train junior members of the kitchen team, leading by example.
• Assist with prep planning, stock management, ordering and deliveries.
• Help monitor food costs, portion sizes and minimise unnecessary waste.
• Ensure excellent food hygiene, allergen management and kitchen safety standards are maintained.
• Support menu development, seasonal dishes, specials and new ideas.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and organisation throughout the kitchen.
• Work collaboratively with the wider café team to deliver a great customer experience.
• Support occasional evening service, events and other opportunities as the business develops.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience working as a Second Chef, Junior Sous Chef or experienced Chef de Partie ready for their next step.
• Has a strong background in preparing and cooking fresh food.
• Is confident working in a busy kitchen and can remain calm and organised under pressure.
• Can confidently step up and take responsibility when required.
• Has high standards and strong attention to detail.
• Understands food hygiene, allergens and kitchen health and safety requirements.
• Is reliable, organised and able to manage their own workload.
• Is a strong team player who is happy to get stuck in where needed.
• Can support, guide and train less experienced members of the kitchen team.
• Has an interest in developing dishes and contributing ideas.
• Pastry, baking or cake-making experience would be a real advantage, but is not essential.
• Must hold a full driving licence and have their own car. Due to location

Hours & Pay

• £13.85-£15.05 per hour, depending on experience.
• Approximately 35-40 hours per week.
• 5 shifts per week.
• Mainly daytime working.
• A couple of evening shifts may be required depending on events and the needs of the business.
• We aim to provide two consecutive days off wherever possible.
• Weekend availability will be required.

Opportunity to Grow

We are an independent business with ambitions to continue developing and growing.

We want someone who is interested in becoming an important part of that journey. For the right person, there will be opportunities to take on greater responsibility, progress into more senior kitchen roles and become involved in new menus, events, projects and future developments within the business.

This isn't a role where you'll simply be expected to turn up and cook. We want someone who takes pride in what they do, brings ideas to the table and wants the opportunity to develop alongside the business.

Pay: £13.85-£15.05 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount

Work Location: In person