Job Description
Overview Ottolenghi began in a small deli on Notting Hill's Ledbury Road in 2002. From there, we've developed a style of cooking and hospitality rooted in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions, that also draws in diverse influences and ingredients from around the world. Our commitment to the championing of vegetables & unusual ingredients, has led to what some call The Ottolenghi effect- a shorthand for the creation of a meal full of colour, flavour and joy. Over 20 years, we have become a proud family of delis and restaurants where you’ll find vibrant food, low intervention wines, and warm hospitality. We offer lifelong careers, foster talent, and put people at the heart of everything that we do. About the Role At Ottolenghi, food is at the heart of everything we do, but people are what make us exceptional. Located within the iconic Bicester Village, our vibrant deli, restaurant and retail space welcomes guests from across the UK and around the world. As Sous Chef, you will play a key leadership role within the kitchen, helping to drive operational excellence, develop talented chefs and ensure every dish leaving the pass reflects Ottolenghi's commitment to quality, flavour and seasonality. Working closely with the Head Chef and the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen, you'll contribute to menu innovation, support kitchen management and foster a positive, collaborative culture where people can thrive. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious chef looking to progress their leadership career within one of the UK's most respected hospitality brands. Responsibilities What you'll be doing: Support the Head Chef in leading the kitchen team and setting the tone for a supportive, high-performance culture. Oversee sections and support daily kitchen operations to ensure consistency and excellence in food quality and presentation. Work closely with the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen on new menu ideas and seasonal development. Uphold food hygiene and safety standards, ensuring a clean and well-organised kitchen at all times. Help manage stock control, ordering, and food costs efficiently and sustainably. Assist in rota planning and labour management to meet operational and financial goals. Take an active role in mentoring and training junior chefs, sharing knowledge and building confidence. Collaborate closely with the General Manager and front-of-house team to deliver a seamless and memorable guest experience. Qualifications What we're looking for: Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a high-quality, fast-paced kitchen, minimum of 2 years. Someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and genuinely enjoys developing others. A passion for fresh, seasonal cooking and the creativity to bring something special to the pass. A calm, hands-on approach and the ability to lead by example. A genuine pride in maintaining high standards and a positive kitchen culture. Key skills Strong knowledge of culinary techniques and a deep understanding of flavour and seasonality. Excellent people management and communication skills. Confident managing stock, food costs, and kitchen administration. Calm under pressure with a solutions-focused mindset. Well-organised with excellent attention to detail. Comfortable using relevant kitchen management and IT systems. A genuine passion for food, people, and continuous improvement. What's in it for you: 30 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount Health and well-being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts Refer a Friend Bonus: £500 for each successful referral Learning & Development opportunities including management coaching, WSET wine training, Ottolenghi Chef’s Academy workshops, and access to external courses A warm, inclusive working culture where individuality, growth, and creativity are celebrated Enhanced Parental Pay after two years’ service A special birthday treat to celebrate your day Exclusive workshops and demos, including cooking, food, wine, and cocktail sessions in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen A collaborative and creative environment where your ideas are valued Our culture At Ottolenghi, we celebrate individuality, creativity and collaboration. We believe great hospitality starts with a great team environment. You'll be surrounded by passionate people who care deeply about food, service and supporting one another. We invest in our people, encourage personal growth and create opportunities for long-term careers. If you care about great food, great people, and doing things properly, we'd love to hear from you.
What we're looking for: Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a high-quality, fast-paced kitchen, minimum of 2 years. Someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and genuinely enjoys developing others. A passion for fresh, seasonal cooking and the creativity to bring something special to the pass. A calm, hands-on approach and the ability to lead by example. A genuine pride in maintaining high standards and a positive kitchen culture. Key skills Strong knowledge of culinary techniques and a deep understanding of flavour and seasonality. Excellent people management and communication skills. Confident managing stock, food costs, and kitchen administration. Calm under pressure with a solutions-focused mindset. Well-organised with excellent attention to detail. Comfortable using relevant kitchen management and IT systems. A genuine passion for food, people, and continuous improvement. What's in it for you: 30 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount Health and well-being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts Refer a Friend Bonus: £500 for each successful referral Learning & Development opportunities including management coaching, WSET wine training, Ottolenghi Chef’s Academy workshops, and access to external courses A warm, inclusive working culture where individuality, growth, and creativity are celebrated Enhanced Parental Pay after two years’ service A special birthday treat to celebrate your day Exclusive workshops and demos, including cooking, food, wine, and cocktail sessions in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen A collaborative and creative environment where your ideas are valued Our culture At Ottolenghi, we celebrate individuality, creativity and collaboration. We believe great hospitality starts with a great team environment. You'll be surrounded by passionate people who care deeply about food, service and supporting one another. We invest in our people, encourage personal growth and create opportunities for long-term careers. If you care about great food, great people, and doing things properly, we'd love to hear from you.
What you'll be doing: Support the Head Chef in leading the kitchen team and setting the tone for a supportive, high-performance culture. Oversee sections and support daily kitchen operations to ensure consistency and excellence in food quality and presentation. Work closely with the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen on new menu ideas and seasonal development. Uphold food hygiene and safety standards, ensuring a clean and well-organised kitchen at all times. Help manage stock control, ordering, and food costs efficiently and sustainably. Assist in rota planning and labour management to meet operational and financial goals. Take an active role in mentoring and training junior chefs, sharing knowledge and building confidence. Collaborate closely with the General Manager and front-of-house team to deliver a seamless and memorable guest experience.