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.
