Sous Chef (SP12)
| Posting date: | 20 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £32,760 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 20 May 2026 |
| Location: | Seoul Plaza 12, 65-67 Charing Cross Road London WC2H 0NE |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | KOREA FOODS COMPANY |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Hours per week: 45 hours per week, weekend availability is required
Contract: Permanent, subject to a 3-month probationary period.
Expected Start date: ASAP
Reports To: Shop Manager
Position Overview
The Sous Chef serves as the second-in-command within the kitchen, supporting the Head Chef in the consistent delivery of high-quality Korean food. This role requires a reliable and technically capable chef who can uphold kitchen standards, supervise daily operations, and ensure food safety compliance. The Sous Chef plays a key role in maintaining service continuity, particularly during peak periods or in the absence of the Head Chef.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary Execution
· Prepare and present Korean menu items to specification, ensuring consistency in taste, texture, portioning and presentation.
· Support daily production planning and service coordination to meet operational demands.
· Monitor food quality and take corrective action where required to maintain standards.
Food Safety, Hygiene & HACCP
· Adhere strictly to the established HACCP plan and company food safety procedures.
· Ensure correct storage, labelling and rotation of ingredients, with particular attention to rice-based and ready-to-eat products.
· Maintain high standards of cleanliness and personal hygiene across all kitchen areas and equipment.
· Support allergen management and reinforce safe food handling practices within the team.
Team Support & Supervision
· Act as a role model for chefs and kitchen assistants, providing guidance on techniques, timing and standards.
· Support the Head Chef in supervising daily kitchen operations and allocating tasks.
· Step into a supervisory role when required, ensuring continuity of standards and service in the Head Chef’s absence.
· Contribute to a professional, respectful and disciplined working environment.
Inventory & Waste Management
· Assist with stock checks, ordering and receipt of goods, ensuring quality and quantity meet operational needs.
· Monitor ingredient usage and highlight shortages, wastage or quality concerns to the Head Chef.
· Support waste-reduction initiatives and cost-conscious kitchen practices.
Collaboration & Operational Support
· Maintain clear communication with the Head Chef, Shop Management and Retail teams.
· Support internal audits, technical visits and operational reviews as required.
· Participate in menu trials, training sessions or operational projects when requested.
Person Specification
· Minimum three years’ professional kitchen experience, with exposure to Korean cuisine preferred.
· Competent knife skills, rice handling and Korean hot food preparation.
· Working understanding of HACCP principles, allergen control and UK food hygiene regulations.
· Reliable, organised and able to perform consistently in a fast-paced retail kitchen environment.
· Able to follow direction, support colleagues and assume responsibility when required.
The Company:
Korea Foods Company is the leader in the supply of Korean food in the UK. A family-run business, established in 1999, Korea Foods Company has over 500 employees working within its Head Office, Logistics Centres, and Retail Stores.
We import from key brands in Korea, and distribute to the Asian community, focusing on East Asian consumers. We have also seen substantial growth within the supermarket multiples, securing significant listings with Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, and Costco.
We also operate our own retail store network, Seoul Plaza, currently with 21 stores within the estate, with more opening in 2026.
Growth has been consistently double-digit, with a sales turnover in excess of £85 million.
The company is an incredibly dynamic and fast-paced place to work, with ambiguity and transparency that is often associated with family-run businesses. It is, also, whilst not for the faint-hearted, a rewarding workplace where personal achievements are recognised due to the relatively flat management structure.
Contract: Permanent, subject to a 3-month probationary period.
Expected Start date: ASAP
Reports To: Shop Manager
Position Overview
The Sous Chef serves as the second-in-command within the kitchen, supporting the Head Chef in the consistent delivery of high-quality Korean food. This role requires a reliable and technically capable chef who can uphold kitchen standards, supervise daily operations, and ensure food safety compliance. The Sous Chef plays a key role in maintaining service continuity, particularly during peak periods or in the absence of the Head Chef.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary Execution
· Prepare and present Korean menu items to specification, ensuring consistency in taste, texture, portioning and presentation.
· Support daily production planning and service coordination to meet operational demands.
· Monitor food quality and take corrective action where required to maintain standards.
Food Safety, Hygiene & HACCP
· Adhere strictly to the established HACCP plan and company food safety procedures.
· Ensure correct storage, labelling and rotation of ingredients, with particular attention to rice-based and ready-to-eat products.
· Maintain high standards of cleanliness and personal hygiene across all kitchen areas and equipment.
· Support allergen management and reinforce safe food handling practices within the team.
Team Support & Supervision
· Act as a role model for chefs and kitchen assistants, providing guidance on techniques, timing and standards.
· Support the Head Chef in supervising daily kitchen operations and allocating tasks.
· Step into a supervisory role when required, ensuring continuity of standards and service in the Head Chef’s absence.
· Contribute to a professional, respectful and disciplined working environment.
Inventory & Waste Management
· Assist with stock checks, ordering and receipt of goods, ensuring quality and quantity meet operational needs.
· Monitor ingredient usage and highlight shortages, wastage or quality concerns to the Head Chef.
· Support waste-reduction initiatives and cost-conscious kitchen practices.
Collaboration & Operational Support
· Maintain clear communication with the Head Chef, Shop Management and Retail teams.
· Support internal audits, technical visits and operational reviews as required.
· Participate in menu trials, training sessions or operational projects when requested.
Person Specification
· Minimum three years’ professional kitchen experience, with exposure to Korean cuisine preferred.
· Competent knife skills, rice handling and Korean hot food preparation.
· Working understanding of HACCP principles, allergen control and UK food hygiene regulations.
· Reliable, organised and able to perform consistently in a fast-paced retail kitchen environment.
· Able to follow direction, support colleagues and assume responsibility when required.
The Company:
Korea Foods Company is the leader in the supply of Korean food in the UK. A family-run business, established in 1999, Korea Foods Company has over 500 employees working within its Head Office, Logistics Centres, and Retail Stores.
We import from key brands in Korea, and distribute to the Asian community, focusing on East Asian consumers. We have also seen substantial growth within the supermarket multiples, securing significant listings with Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, and Costco.
We also operate our own retail store network, Seoul Plaza, currently with 21 stores within the estate, with more opening in 2026.
Growth has been consistently double-digit, with a sales turnover in excess of £85 million.
The company is an incredibly dynamic and fast-paced place to work, with ambiguity and transparency that is often associated with family-run businesses. It is, also, whilst not for the faint-hearted, a rewarding workplace where personal achievements are recognised due to the relatively flat management structure.