Senior Sous Chef

Job Description

Senior Sous Chef

WANGS – Neighbourhood Chinese for Good Time People
Location: Bristol
Reports to: Head Chef
Contract: Full-time

The Role

The Senior Sous Chef at WANGS is a key position for us as we move into our next phase. Naturally, you would be Head Chef Xin Xin's right hand - setting standards, leading services, shaping team culture and keeping the kitchen energised, organised, and sending the best food in Bristol. 

This is a hands-on leadership role in a busy, prep-led modern Chinese kitchen. You’ll be trusted to run services, manage the team, and protect consistency across sauces, marinades, and core dishes that define WANGS.

Key Responsibilities

Service & Kitchen Leadership

• Lead busy services of over 100 covers with confidence and control
• Run the pass when required and step up fully in the Head Chef’s absence
• Maintain speed, accuracy, and consistency during peak periods
• Set the tone: good time energy, focused, and professional

Food Quality & Consistency

• Protect consistency across sauces, stocks, marinades, and core prep
• Ensure all dishes meet WANGS specs for flavour, portioning, and presentation
• Oversee mise en place, prep schedules, and station readiness
• Maintain high standards across Charcoal fire cooking, fry, steam, and prep sections
• Take an active approach to learning new Chinese food culture, craft and techniques
• Support Head Chef with dish development, ideas, inspiration

People & Team Development

• Train and mentor junior chefs and kitchen porters
• Support new starters with clear guidance and standards
• Help manage rotas, breaks, and shift flow
• Build a positive kitchen culture—high standards, all egos left at the door (Other than Bowlman's)

Prep, Systems & Organisation

• Plan and manage daily and weekly prep effectively
• Ensure labelling, dating, storage, and rotation are followed precisely
• Keep prep areas organised, efficient, and clean
• Flag issues early—stock, staffing, equipment, or quality

Stock, Cost & Waste Control

• Assist with ordering and stock checks
• Monitor waste and portion control
• Support food cost discipline without cutting corners

Food Safety & Compliance

• Uphold food hygiene, allergen controls, and HACCP procedures
• Ensure temperature checks, cleaning schedules, and logs are completed
• Maintain a safe, clean, and compliant kitchen at all times

Job Requirements

Who We’re Looking For

• A Chef that's going places
• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a busy kitchen
• Comfortable in prep-heavy, high-volume service environments
• Strong leadership skills—leads by example, not by bellowing!
• Organised, reliable, and trusted by both the team and management
• Passionate about flavours, consistency, and doing things properly

Nice to Have (but not essential)

• Experience with Chinese or Asian-inspired kitchens (please don't be intimidated by Chinese cuisine, we're all learning and on a journey together)
• Strong fire cooking backgroud
• Experience helping open or stabilise a growing kitchen

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Clear progression towards Head Chef level
• A supportive, respectful kitchen culture
• Family meal, drinks and 50% team discount
• Fixed days off / Combination of prep and service shifts
• The opportunity to help shape and grow WANGS
• Relocation package if you are moving to Bristol from elsewhere

Job Location

66 Bath Building
Montpelier
Bristol BS65PU