Junior Sous Chef

GAIA Restaurants in Mayfair is hiring a Junior Sous Chef to support a busy, high‑standards Mediterranean kitchen. This role is ideal for a technically strong cook ready to step into a supervisory position, develop leadership skills, and contribute to a menu driven by seasonality and flavour. You will work closely with the Head Chef and Sous Chef to deliver consistent dishes, maintain station discipline, and help train junior cooks while upholding hygiene and cost controls.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support service delivery by preparing and executing dishes to specification during covers.
• Maintain mise en place and ensure stations are fully prepped and stocked for service.
• Assist with training and mentoring commis chefs and kitchen staff; reinforce standards and techniques.
• Execute quality control checks on portioning, plating, and consistency.
• Follow recipes and plating guides to preserve menu integrity and presentation.
• Rotate and manage stock at your station; assist with deliveries and stock checks.
• Uphold food safety and hygiene standards, including HACCP procedures and daily cleaning schedules.
• Support waste reduction and cost control through accurate portioning and careful use of ingredients.
• Step into supervisory duties during busy periods or when senior chefs are unavailable.
• Collaborate with front-of-house to manage timing, special requests, and guest feedback.

Requirements

• Experience: 1–3 years in a professional, high‑volume kitchen; prior experience in Mediterranean or modern European cuisine is advantageous.
• Culinary skill: Strong technical foundation in basic butchery, sauce work, pasta, and seafood handling.
• Attitude: Eager to learn, coachable, and able to work calmly under pressure.
• Leadership potential: Demonstrable ability to support and guide junior staff; reliable and punctual.
• Operational knowledge: Familiarity with mise en place, stock rotation, portion control, and basic food cost awareness.
• Standards: High attention to detail, consistency, and cleanliness.
• Availability: Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• Eligibility: Right to work in the UK.

About GAIA and Fundamental Hospitality

GAIA — Mayfair is part of Fundamental Hospitality, an international hospitality group focused on warm, effortless experiences rooted in locality and thoughtful design. GAIA celebrates Mediterranean flavours, seasonal produce, and polished service in a Mayfair setting that values both precision and personality. Joining GAIA means working within a team that prioritises development, sustainability, and genuine hospitality.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-related bonuses.
• Career progression opportunities within an international hospitality group.
• Staff meals featuring our Mediterranean menu.
• Training and development including culinary workshops and on-the-job coaching.
• Employee discounts across group venues.
• Supportive team culture focused on mentorship and wellbeing.

How to Apply

Send your CV and a brief cover letter to careers-london@fundamentalhospitality.com with the subject line Junior Sous Chef — GAIA Mayfair. Include two professional references and your earliest availability. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview and practical assessment.