Senior Sous Chef

Position: Senior Sous Chef

Salary: £46,000 plus Benefits and Bonus Scheme

Job Purpose

As Senior Sous Chef at our premier sporting venue, you ll play a key role in delivering outstanding food experiences for guests, teams, and VIPs. Working closely with the Head Chef, you ll oversee the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring every service meets the highest standards of taste, presentation, and efficiency. You ll lead by example in a fast-paced, high-energy environment, inspiring your team to deliver exceptional quality whether it s a packed match day or an exclusive private event.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience

• Create memorable dining moments for all visitors, from hospitality guests and corporate clients to players and event staff.
• Ensure consistency and excellence across all food offerings from casual outlets to fine dining suites.

Kitchen Operations

• Work alongside the Head Chef to plan, prepare, and deliver menus for both event days and non-event functions.
• Take full responsibility for kitchen operations in the Head Chef s absence, maintaining smooth and professional service.
• Lead by example during service, ensuring high standards of cooking and presentation under pressure.

Quality & Standards

• Maintain strict control over quality, portion sizes, and food presentation.
• Ensure all dishes meet brand standards and exceed guest expectations.
• Minimise food waste and manage resources efficiently.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and motivate the kitchen brigade, providing hands-on guidance and ongoing development.
• Support recruitment, training, and performance management to build a strong and cohesive team.
• Manage rotas and staffing levels to ensure effective coverage during busy match days and large-scale events.

Menu Development

• Contribute to menu planning and innovation, introducing creative dishes that enhance the venue s reputation for excellence.
• Adapt menus for seasonal events, themed experiences, and special functions.

Stock & Cost Control

• Assist in ordering ingredients and managing stock levels to meet demand during high-volume events.
• Monitor kitchen budgets, food margins, and supplier performance to support cost efficiency.

Health, Safety & Hygiene

• Maintain full compliance with food safety, allergen, and hygiene regulations at all times.
• Oversee the cleanliness, organisation, and maintenance of kitchen areas and equipment.

Service Delivery

• Oversee the preparation and execution of dishes during peak periods.
• Work closely with front-of-house and event teams to ensure coordinated, timely service.

Leadership & Culture

• Foster a positive, energetic, and team-focused kitchen environment.
• Champion professionalism, collaboration, and pride in delivering first-class food experiences.

Sustainability

• Support the venue s sustainability initiatives by reducing waste, sourcing responsibly, and promoting efficient kitchen practices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a 4-star or 5-star hotel, high-end hospitality venue, or premium lifestyle brand is highly desirable.
• A strong yet approachable leadership and guest service style, capable of motivating teams and delighting guests.
• Highly organised with the ability to work effectively both independently and within a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong command of spoken and written English; additional languages are an advantage.
• Impeccable personal presentation, hygiene, and professionalism confident and composed under pressure.
• Full, clean UK driving licence required.