BAO Battersea is looking for a Senior Sous Chef to help lead the kitchen team with care, clarity, and consistency.
This is a key role in the day-to-day running of the kitchen - perfect for someone who takes pride in high standards and supports others to do their best work. You’ll work closely with the Head Chef and Executive Chef, helping to set the tone on shift, guide the team, and keep service running smoothly.
At BAO, we believe in building kitchens where people can grow. With a 6-shift week to support better balance and a strong focus on development, this is a brilliant opportunity for a Senior Sous ready to take the next step.
At BAO, we care about doing things properly - from the quality of our ingredients to how we run our kitchens. This role is all about consistency, standards, and leading by example. You’ll work closely with the Executive Chef to deliver our menus to the highest standard, manage the day-to-day kitchen operation, and support your team to do their best work.
This is a key leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, quality-led environment and is looking to take the next step in their culinary career.
What you’ll be doing:
- Supporting the Head Chef in running smooth, efficient day-to-day kitchen operations
- Leading service and maintaining quality, consistency, and presentation across every dish
- Managing prep schedules, ordering, stock control, and kitchen organisation
- Coaching and supporting junior team members — helping build a kind and capable kitchen culture
- Assisting with rota planning, costings, and food safety compliance
What we’re looking for:
- Experience as a Senior Sous Chef or strong Sous Chef in a quality-focused kitchen
- Confident in kitchen systems and structure — you know what ‘good’ looks like
- A calm, organised and detail-focused approach to leadership
- Someone who leads with kindness, communicates clearly, and sets a great example on shift
- A desire to grow — this is a role with real progression opportunities
The Benefits
We want working at BAO to feel like stepping into a warm, fluffy bao — soft, supportive, and full of good stuff. Here's what you'll get as part of the team:
Work-Life Balance
- 6 shifts across 5 days, with a maximum of one double shift
- Paid overtime
- Rotas released two weeks in advance so you can plan ahead
Growth & Development
- Personalised development plans tailored to your goals
- Access to School of BAO — workshops, talks, and hands-on training to help you master your craft
Perks & Discounts
- 50% off food and drink across all BAO and JKS restaurants
- Access to curated wine and meat suppliers at trade prices
- Discounts on BAO retail and takeaway items
Rewards & Recognition
- BAOcoin — earn rewards for living BAO values, then spend them in the BAOshop
- BAO Pyramid Scheme — earn up to £500 for referring someone to join the team
Milestones
- Extra holiday and perks to celebrate work anniversaries and milestones
Celebrations
- Two company-wide parties a year: Wei Ya and Moon Festival BBQ
- Plus occasional karaoke nights, supper clubs, and team socials