Job Description

Junior Sous Chef | Another Place - The Machrie | Kitchen

Wild coastlines, big skies and a close-knit island community set the rhythm of daily life on Islay. The roll of waves, breeze-blown dune grasses, and call of seabirds make up a rich island soundtrack. It's a haven for people who live and breathe the outdoors. Exhilarating and revitalising, vibrant and relaxed - the wonder of the wilds here is limitless.

Set within this captivating landscape lies Another Place - The Machrie. Originating from the Gaelic term 'machair', meaning 'the linking stretch of land that joins the grassy dunes with the shoreline', The Machrie offers elevated comforts and unforgettable experiences.

Our Junior Sous Chef role:

Across land, sea and air, Islay is brimming with fresh island produce - all coming together at The Courtyard and the hotel's award-winning 18 Restaurant & Bar. From Loch Gruinart oysters, Islay scallops and Port Askaig lobster, to superb beef, lamb and game, and locally grown vegetables, our menus are as fresh as they come. Behind the bar, you'll also find Islay whisky, gin, rum and an array of craft beers.

We're looking for a knowledgeable, passionate, and hardworking Junior Sous Chef to join our kitchen team at Another Place - The Machrie. Reporting to the Senior Sous Chef, you'll share in the task of ensuring that the restaurant continues to provide an exceptional guest experience. You'll be passionate about food, with previous experience of working within a similarly high-quality environment, and eager to express your culinary skills.


This role provides a unique opportunity for career development in an ambitious and expanding organization, with excellent long-term career prospects.

As our

Junior Sous Chef

you'll be:

Liaising with the Sous Chef to be an ambassador for Another Place, The Machrie. Preparing, cooking, and portioning all dishes to the hotel's standards of quality and quantity. Assisting with kitchen staff management and preparation of inventories. Preparing food and carrying out cleaning and any other reasonable duties requested. Assisting with the management and running of the kitchen (when required or asked to do so). Setting an example by producing your work in accordance with a set deadline, assisting and encouraging others in achieving this shared aim. Carrying out any other duties as required by management. Supporting with stock ordering. Continually refreshing and updating your allergen awareness and knowledge (training will also be provided). Completing all training allocated to you by management. Reporting for duty punctually, wearing the correct uniform and appropriate protective clothing, and adhering to specified grooming standards. Demonstrating (and maintaining) knowledge of standard procedures and policies pertaining to food preparation, storage, and sanitation.

You'll also be:

Helping to ensure a safe environment for both staff and guests and following company Health and Safety policies and procedures. Following preservation standards for the proper handling of all food products (stored at the correct temperature). Following all Health and Safety guidelines. Training chefs at Chef de Partie level (or below). Ensuring effective communication between departments. Promoting our shared responsibility to look after our team and planet.

With 43 beautifully designed rooms, a world-class Scottish championship links golf course, a contemporary restaurant showcasing seasonal island produce (recognised with a 4Silver AA award and a Rosette), a wild Scandinavian-inspired hot tub garden, and an art collection curated throughout by Sue Nye, The Machrie encapsulates the best of both worlds; a feeling of being looked-after, and the freedom to explore.
For our guests, how their stay makes them feel is crucial; cared about, looked after, welcome. It's the heart and soul of our active relaxation concept, made possible by the people on our team.

The skills you'll be sharing with us:

Excellent time management and delegation skills Responsibility, accountability, reliability NVQ level 1&2, or equivalent, as a minimum Experience with high-end plating and presentation standards Ability to create dishes that showcase regional specialties, while maintaining our exceptional standards Exceptional skills showcasing culinary flair A broad knowledge of ingredients, with a particular passion for Scottish and locally sourced, sustainable foods Good listening skills and a proactive, helpful attitude towards team members A cool head to maintain balance in a high-pressure kitchen environment The ability to bring together a wide range of ingredients in a creative way Previous experience of working in a busy kitchen Excellent time management skills An eye for profit margin, and an operational approach to kitchen budgeting A professional personal presentation with attention to personal care A genuine care for our team and our wider community and environment

Additional experience you'll need:

Previous experience of island living, or equivalent (desirable).

A valid driving licence, and relevant driving experience.

Hobbies or interests in the following areas: the outdoors, outdoor instructing, writing, natural history, geology, marine science, animal science, photography, and documentary filmmaking, or equivalent (desirable).

Life at Another Place - The Machrie

On Islay, The Machrie embraces all-season island living. With long winters, limited entertainment, and few distractions, it requires an appreciation and resilience for rural life.

Due to the hotel's remote location, you will require a valid driving license and access to a personal vehicle. We also offer team accommodation within same-sex residences (where possible).

As a team, we work together to deliver memorable moments for our guests to immerse themselves in the vibrancy of island living, and it's our strong sense of community and our wider connection to the residents and natural beauty of Islay, that allows us to offer a space where outdoor living and indoor comforts coalesce - where both guests, locals, and team can rest, play, work, gather, and make the most of what matters.

What we'll offer you in return:

A relaxed, professional place to work in a beautiful location - Islay 'the queen' of the Hebridean archipelago off the West Coast of Scotland A welcoming team of like minds, eager to support and encourage each other Accommodation (as required, dependent on availability) Excellent career prospects in an ever-expanding organisation An Islay Living Allowance provided for team members residing off-site Use of our Championship Links Golf Course (7,000 yards from the back trees, rated one of the world's top 100), regardless of ability Special rates for you and your friends & family to stay at Another Place - The Machrie, Another Place - The Lake, SeaSpace, and Watergate Bay Hotels Discounts for you and your friends & family to eat at our variety of restaurants (including 18 Restaurant and Bar) Team social events throughout the year Team assistance scheme - a dedicated helpline for support & advice on topics from mental health through to managing your finances +
From discounted stays to training and development opportunities, we're all about helping our team achieve their personal and professional goals. With far-reaching views stretching across the golf links and Laggan Bay, you'll never be short on inspiration. Life at Another Place isn't just a job - it's a transformative career opportunity.

If you come alive in nature and have a genuine desire to expand your hospitality skills in a location where your attitude and experience truly matter, Another Place - The Machrie is the place for you.

If you would love to join us as our Junior Sous Chef, apply now and be part of our journey at Another Place - The Machrie, a wonderful place to work.

INDBOH