Junior Chef

JUNIOR CHEF / COMMIS CHEF / CDP

Elephant Underground, Shrewsbury

We are looking for a Junior Chef to join our small kitchen team at Elephant Underground in Shrewsbury.

Whether you are an experienced Commis Chef, Demi Chef de Partie, CDP, or a chef looking for the next step in your career, we are interested in hearing from you.

This is a hands-on role within a small, independent business where you will have the opportunity to learn, develop your skills and become an important part of the kitchen team.

ABOUT US

Elephant Underground is an independent food and hospitality business in Shrewsbury.

We have a small kitchen team and focus on homemade food, with our menu being entirely gluten-free.

We care about producing good food from scratch, maintaining high standards and creating a kitchen environment where people can develop and take pride in what they do.

THE ROLE

Working alongside the senior kitchen team, you will help with the preparation and service of our menu.

Because we are a small kitchen, you will need to be comfortable working independently at times. You won’t always have someone standing over you telling you what to do, so being able to look ahead, recognise what needs doing and get on with it is important.

The role will include:

• Food preparation and cooking
• Working independently on prep and kitchen tasks when required
• Supporting the kitchen during service
• Preparing ingredients and maintaining prep levels
• Following recipes and maintaining consistency
• Taking responsibility for your own section or tasks
• Keeping on top of prep and organisation without constant supervision
• Helping with stock rotation and storage
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food hygiene
• Keeping the kitchen organised throughout service
• Helping with opening and closing the kitchen
• Learning and developing your cooking and kitchen skills
• Supporting the wider kitchen team as required

You will be supported by more experienced chefs, but we are looking for someone who is willing to learn, take responsibility and become increasingly independent as their skills develop.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for someone who is:

• Keen to develop their career in professional kitchens
• Reliable and hardworking
• Enthusiastic about food and cooking
• Comfortable working both as part of a team and independently
• Able to use their initiative and recognise what needs doing
• Organised and willing to learn
• Calm and focused during busy services
• Comfortable taking direction and acting on feedback
• Proud of the food they produce
• Willing to get stuck in and help wherever needed

Previous professional kitchen experience is preferred, but we will consider candidates at different stages of their career depending on their attitude, ability and willingness to learn.

Experience working with gluten-free food is beneficial, but full training on our procedures will be provided.

THE HOURS

Initially, we are looking for someone to work approximately 2–3 days per week.

This is around 14–21 hours per week to begin with.

There is potential for the hours to increase over time as the business grows and depending on the candidate’s availability and experience.

We are happy to discuss the working pattern with the right person.

WHY JOIN US?

We are a small independent business, so you will join a close-knit kitchen team where your contribution genuinely matters.

This is a good opportunity for a chef who wants to develop their skills in a hands-on kitchen, learn from experienced chefs and gain genuine experience working independently.

You will have the support of the senior team, but also the opportunity to build confidence, take ownership of your work and progress as your skills develop.

For the right person, there is plenty of opportunity to take on more responsibility as the business grows.

TO APPLY

Please apply through Indeed with your CV and a short message telling us about your experience, what level you are currently working at and what you are looking for in your next role.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Hours: 14–21 per week initially

Location: Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Work Location: In person

Pay: £11.00-£13.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person