Sous Chef at CDZ GROUP LIMITED, Loughton, Essex

Job title: Sous Chef – The Owl, Loughton (£13.50 per hour)

Salary: £13.50 per hour (approx. £24,500 to £28,000 a year based on 35 to 40 hours per week)

Job type: Permanent, 35 to 40 hours per week

Description:

SOUS CHEF (2 OR 3 POSITIONS AVAILABLE) – THE OWL, LOUGHTON IG10 4AL

The Owl is a newly refurbished pub on the edge of Epping Forest, owned by Punch Taverns and managed by CDZ Inns Ltd. We are reopening to the public on 27 October 2026 and are recruiting two or three Sous Chefs to support our Head Chef in delivering excellent food day in, day out. Whether you are ready to step up or bring solid experience to a new team, we would like to hear from you.

THE ROLE

• Traditional, high-end English pub food, including traditional Sunday lunches
• Around 180 covers inside and outside
• A very large kitchen
• A set English menu, with input on specials at a later date
• A route to progress to Head Chef

PAY AND HOURS

• £13.50 per hour (approx. £24,500 to £28,000 a year based on 35 to 40 hours)
• Permanent position, employed by CDZ Inns Ltd
• The pub is open noon to 10pm, 7 days a week
• Shifts include early and late, split shifts and weekends. Your working pattern will be agreed with you
• Start date between 1 and 19 October 2026. Pre-opening hours are paid in full for hours trained
• Holiday as per legal entitlement
• NEST pension enrolment
• Further benefits to be discussed at interview

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Prepare and cook dishes to menu specification and quality standards
• Support the Head Chef in running the kitchen and covering shifts
• Maintain food safety, hygiene and cleanliness standards
• Help manage stock control and minimise waste
• Lead the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence
• Work closely with front of house to keep service smooth in busy periods

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• A minimum of 1 year's experience as a Sous Chef, or in an equivalent senior chef role
• Solid food safety knowledge and cooking technique
• Food Hygiene Level 2 or 3
• The ability to work well under pressure as part of a team
• Reliable, organised and keen to develop within the role
• Right to work in the UK

LOCATION
The Owl is in Loughton, about 10 minutes by car from Loughton Underground (Central Line) and Chingford Overground, and about 15 minutes from Debden, Waltham Cross and Buckhurst Hill. Free parking is available on site.

HOW TO APPLY
Email your CV

Initial three-month live-in accommodation may be available, subject to additional space being created due to refurbishment plans and satisfactory checks.