Sous Chef Authentic Italian Kitchen Leiden City Centre Full-time From €3,100 gross

As a Sous Chef, you don't just choose a restaurant-you choose the Chef you want to work alongside.

In this kitchen, you'll work closely with an Italian Head Chef who joined earlier this year with one clear ambition: to build a kitchen where authentic Italian cuisine is prepared the way it is meant to be. High-quality ingredients, craftsmanship and genuine Italian flavours are at the heart of everything. Traditional Italian recipes are approached with a modern mindset, without compromising authenticity.

Together, you'll be responsible for a kitchen serving around 200 guests a day. It requires speed, organisation and consistently high standards. As Sous Chef, you'll play a key role in making sure all three come together.

About the Restaurant

This authentic Italian trattoria is located along the Nieuwe Rijn in the historic city centre of Leiden. With more than 100 seats inside and around 80 seats on the terrace, the restaurant welcomes guests throughout the day for both lunch and dinner.

During busy services, you'll work with a brigade of around five to six colleagues. The atmosphere is professional, supportive and focused on one shared goal: serving authentic Italian food at the highest possible standard.

Your Role

As Sous Chef, you are the Head Chef's right hand. Together, you'll lead the kitchen and continue building a team that takes pride in quality, consistency and teamwork.

When the Head Chef is away, you will take full responsibility for the kitchen and lead the brigade with confidence.

This is a role for someone who wants more than running a service. You'll have the opportunity to contribute ideas, help develop the menu and play an active part in the future of the kitchen.

What You'll Do

• Support the Head Chef in leading the kitchen team.
• Maintain overview during busy lunch and dinner services.
• Ensure every dish meets the restaurant's quality and presentation standards.
• Contribute ideas for new dishes and further menu development.
• Develop recipes and monitor food cost calculations.
• Coach colleagues and apprentice chefs.
• Help create a well-organised kitchen where quality and efficiency go hand in hand.

Who We're Looking For

You're an experienced chef who is ready for the next step or already working as a Sous Chef. You enjoy working in a kitchen where quality is the standard and where everyone contributes to a shared ambition.

In addition:

• You have culinary training or relevant experience in a similar role.
• You have extensive experience with authentic Italian cuisine.
• You stay organised and perform well under pressure.
• You communicate clearly and enjoy motivating others.
• You have a training or mentoring qualification, or you're willing to obtain one.
• You're motivated to help build a kitchen that continues to develop and improve.

What We Offer

• Full-time position (38 hours per week).
• Salary from €3,100 gross per month, depending on experience.
• Immediate prospect of a permanent contract.
• 25 vacation days based on full-time employment.
• 8% holiday allowance.
• Travel allowance if you live more than 10 kilometres from the restaurant.
• Pension scheme.
• Lunch or dinner during working days.
• Christmas and birthday gifts.
• Employee discount at affiliated restaurants.
• Team outings and an annual staff party.
• Free leadership training and the opportunity to obtain your certified workplace trainer qualification.
• Career opportunities within a hospitality group operating multiple restaurants.

Why This Opportunity?

Not every Sous Chef gets the opportunity to help build a kitchen from the ground up.

Here, you'll work alongside an ambitious Italian Head Chef who is committed to taking the kitchen to the next level. He's looking for more than someone to follow instructions, he's looking for a Sous Chef who takes ownership, contributes ideas and wants to build something together.

If you're passionate about authentic Italian cuisine, enjoy responsibility and want to work in a kitchen where quality comes first every single day, we'd love to hear from you.

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