Executive Sous Chef

Silversea; Guildford; On-site; GBP 67,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Silversea seeks an Executive Sous Chef to be second-in-command of the shipboard culinary team, supporting the Executive Chef in luxury galley operations and high-volume service. You will manage menus, sanitation, inventory, and guest interactions to uphold ultra-luxury dining.

This role requires exceptional culinary craftsmanship, guest-focused service, and proven leadership in Michelin-star or Relais & Châteaux environments, with a strong emphasis on dietary accommodations and teamwork at sea.

Qualifications

• Maritime certifications: STCW95 validation and sea-duty fitness.
• 7+ years in international 5-star establishments; minimum 1 year as Sous Chef.
• 2+ years as Sous Chef in Michelin Star or Relais & Châteaux environments.
• Culinary expertise across European and international cuisines; strong knife skills.
• Thorough understanding of maritime public health regulations and labor standards (ILO/MLC).
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and guest hospitality skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef in daily galley management, expediting orders, and ensuring top-tier presentation.
• Lead operations and quality control, monitor mis-en-place, and manage inventory and waste.
• Ensure strict maritime public health and sanitation compliance, IPM, and temperature logging.
• Oversee line cook training, scheduling, evaluations, and crew assignments.
• Coordinate with Restaurant Manager, Maitre d's, and HR for smooth service and staffing.
• Engage guests with cooking demos and events, addressing dietary needs and allergies.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu execution

Food safety & sanitation

Staff management

Guest dietary accommodation

Education

STCW95 certification

Job description

Reports To: Executive Chef Department: Galley / Culinary

Position Summary

As the Executive Sous Chef, you will serve as the second-in-command of our shipboard culinary team, supporting the Executive Chef in leading daily galley operations to deliver ultra-luxury, 5-star dining experiences. You will oversee menu execution, enforce strict Public Health and sanitation standards, manage galley staff, control inventory and food waste, and step in as operational lead whenever required.

This role demands exceptional culinary craftsmanship, a strong focus on guest satisfaction and dietary accommodations, and proven team-leadership skills in a high-volume, luxury environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Culinary Excellence & Service: Assist the Executive Chef in daily galley management, expediting orders, inspecting plates, and overseeing food preparation across all outlets to guarantee top-tier consistency and presentation.
• Operations & Quality Control: Conduct regular galley walkthroughs, monitor mis-en-place, enforce recipe adherence, and manage inventory, requisitions, and food waste reduction.
• Public Health & Safety: Lead strict compliance with maritime Public Health guidelines, sanitation protocols, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and equipment temperature logging.
• Team Leadership & Administration: Oversee line cook training, scheduling (including In-Port Manning and ILO/MLC rest hours), performance evaluations, and crew loading/duty assignments.
• Guest Focus & Dietary Needs: Coordinate special dietary requests, accommodate food allergies/intolerances, and engage directly with guests through cooking demos, special events, and feedback resolution.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with the Restaurant Manager, Maitre d's, Hotel Stores, and HR to maintain seamless service, staff welfare, and operational flow.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Maritime Certifications: Valid STCW95 certification; physically and medically fit for sea duty.
• Experience: Minimum 7 years in an international 5-star establishment (at least 1 year as Sous Chef). Minimum 2 years as Sous Chef in a Michelin Star or Relais & Châteaux environment.
• Culinary Expertise: Strong foundation in European and International cuisines, superior knife skills, and proven experience catering to complex guest dietary restrictions.
• Compliance Knowledge: Thorough understanding of maritime Public Health regulations and labor standard compliance (ILO/MLC).
• Soft Skills: High moral integrity, exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills, and a genuine passion for luxury guest hospitality.