Sous Chef | SEC

The Sous Chef is integral to maintaining high culinary standards, ensuring efficient kitchen operations and supporting the Head Chef in delivering exceptional food quality. The role involves monitoring food standards across all stages of production and service, preparing and cooking food to specification, and ensuring compliance with HACCP and food safety regulations. The post holder oversees a specific kitchen station, works with the Head Chef on menu planning and costing, and communicates closely with front-of-house staff.

• Monitor and maintain consistent food standards and quality across all areas and during all stages of production and supply.
• Ensure the HACCP procedure according to the company food safety management system is maintained and complied with.
• Prepare and cook sufficient food to meet guests' needs while keeping wastage to a minimum.
• Ensure food is prepared to the required standards, checking taste, presentation and quality, and that it is served promptly and efficiently during busy periods.
• Ensure all food sent out is correctly garnished in line with the picture specification.
• Carry out portion control, preparation and storage methods, labelling, food temperature checks and wastage recording correctly at all times.
• Check deliveries to ensure the correct items of the desired quality have arrived, reporting any quality issues to the Head Chef.
• Work with the Head Chef on planning and costing menus, ensuring the operation is run cost-effectively and meets relevant targets.
• Communicate effectively with front-of-house staff regarding menu items, the content of dishes and special requests, and maintain knowledge of all food allergens in order to advise them.
• Ensure the effective control of a specific station within the kitchen.
• Assist in the completion of all relevant paperwork, including production and wastage sheets, cleaning records and food hygiene documentation, and monitor and record the day-to-day production schedule.
• Meet all legal and company requirements for fire, safety and hygiene procedures, and report HSE hazards, accidents, incidents, illness or disease to the line manager.
• Maintain all catering equipment through due care and diligence, using it correctly and wearing personal protective equipment when necessary in accordance with health and safety regulations.
• Keep work areas clean when not in use and comply with uniform requirements and personal hygiene regulations.

• Supervise and help less qualified members of staff when needed, and be flexible in working in different sections within the kitchen.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a comparative role.
• Strong, quality operational experience with a passion for food and beverage.
• Articulate and numerate, with the ability to accurately prepare quotes and reports.
• Awareness of government legislation, including health and safety.
• Computer literate, with experience and an understanding of restaurant/bar software.
• Leadership: the desire and ability to lead, direct and communicate both up and down the line, to inspire others to follow in the achievement of significant goals, and to be creative in thinking and approach.
• Results focus and initiative: the drive and determination to get things done.
• Commercial judgment: the ability to understand the financial impact of decisions taken.
• Team orientation: the ability to work with others, network and build relationships, and have a strong impact.
• Motivational and development skills: the desire and ability to interact personally and sensitively with others on an individual basis, and to foster and develop others by offering support and encouragement.

• Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits.

• 20 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme.
• Healthcare and wellbeing support including Aviva Digicare and Medicash (dental, optical and therapy treatments).
• Mental health support through a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Family benefits including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• 2 days' additional leave after returning from maternity leave, a day off for your baby's first birthday, and enhanced family leave.
• Perks and discounts on shopping, entertainment and travel, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off PureGym memberships.
• Financial wellbeing benefits including a pension scheme, life assurance and preferred rates on salary finance products.
• Development opportunities including professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways.
• Meals on duty included.