Sous Chef

Sous Chef

Salary: Up to £35,000 per annum dependent upon experience + Benefits

Hours: Full time 40 hours per week, 5 days over 7 to include weekends and bank holidays

Based at Ampleforth Abbey YO62 4EN

Closing date: Tuesday 14th April

Benefits

Up to 8% employer-matched pensionLife assuranceFree lunch during working hoursFree on-site parking20% discount at the Tea room and Abbey ShopCycle to Work SchemeChristmas ClosureHistoric Houses and Yorkshire Great Houses, Castles and Gardens passes to borrowEmployee Assistance programmeRetail savings platform50% discount on fitness suite, swimming and other activities at St Albans Centre

About Ampleforth Abbey

Ampleforth Abbey is home to the UK’s largest Benedictine monastic community, rooted in the Rule of St Benedict. Our mission is to seek God through prayer and service, and to invite others to experience faith in action.

Located in the Howardian Hills near York, the Abbey sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and welcomes thousands of visitors each year to its Retreat Centre, Visitor Centre, Shop and Tea Room.

Ampleforth Abbey Trust, a registered charity, works alongside the monastic community to support this mission. With around 60 lay staff, the Trust delivers on a five-year strategy, choosing a Future Together, to ensure a sustainable, faith-led future for the Abbey and its valley home.

We are looking for a Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in the daily operation of the Abbey kitchens including the tea room and main monastery, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality, freshly prepared food. This role combines strong culinary skills with leadership responsibilities, while respecting the calm, reflective, and historic nature of the monastic environment.

The Sous Chef plays a key role in maintaining excellent standards of food quality, hygiene, and efficiency, helping to create a welcoming and memorable experience for all visitors.

If you enjoy working in a friendly peaceful atmosphere, meeting new people, being part of a hardworking team Ampleforth Abbey is perfect for you!

Main Responsibilities but not limited to:-

Kitchen Operations

Assist the Head Chef & Executive Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchensPrepare, cook, and present food to a high standard, in line with the tearoom menu and monetary menusEnsure smooth service during busy periods, maintaining consistency and qualityStep into the Head Chef role in their absence

Team Leadership

Supervise and support kitchen staff, including assistants and volunteersAssist with training, mentoring, and developing team membersPromote a positive, respectful, and collaborative working environment

Food Quality & Menu Support

Contribute to menu development, including seasonal and locally inspired dishesEnsure all food is prepared using fresh ingredients and presented attractivelyMaintain portion control and minimise waste

Stock & Kitchen Management

Assist with stock control, ordering, and supplier relationshipsEnsure proper storage, rotation, and labelling of ingredientsSupport cost control and efficient use of resources

Standards & Compliance

Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and organisationEnsure compliance with all food safety, health and safety, and environmental regulationsKeep accurate records (e.g. temperature logs, cleaning schedules)

Experience

You will have:

Essential:

Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Chef de Partie ready to step upSolid knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen operationsUnderstanding of food hygiene and safety standards (Level 2 minimum; Level 3 desirable) AllergensAbility to work efficiently under pressure and manage multiple tasksStrong communication and team leadership skillsOwn transport essential due to rural location

Desirable:

Experience in a café, tearoom, or high-volume visitor attractionInterest in seasonal, locally sourced, or traditional British cuisineExperience working with volunteers or within a heritage or faith-based setting

Personal Qualities

Calm, organised, and reliable under pressureRespectful of the abbey’s spiritual and historic environmentPositive, hands-on approach with strong attention to detailAbility to work in a quiet, reflective setting while maintaining efficiencyFlexible and supportive team player

Working Conditions

40 hours per week, including weekends, bank holidays, and peak seasonsFast-paced kitchen during busy visitor periodsStanding for long periods and manual handling required

Ampleforth Abbey Trust is committed to the highest standards of safeguarding. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Interested?  If you feel that you possess the relevant skills and experience, then please send your cv.

 

 

INDHS 

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