Executive Sous Chef

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

Job summary

Silversea is seeking an Executive Sous Chef to act as second-in-command of our shipboard culinary team. You will support the Executive Chef in delivering ultra-luxury, 5-star dining experiences, oversee menu execution, sanitation, staff management, and inventory control in a high-volume galley.

The role requires exceptional culinary craftsmanship, guest-focused service, and proven leadership in a luxury maritime setting. Experience with special dietary needs and staff development is essential.

Qualifications

• STCW95 certification and sea duty fitness.
• 7 years in international 5-star establishments (≥1 year as Sous Chef).
• 2 years as Sous Chef in Michelin Star or Relais & Châteaux environments.
• Strong foundation in European and International cuisines.

Responsibilities

• Assist Executive Chef in daily galley management, expediting orders, inspecting plates.
• Oversee inventory, requisitions, and food waste control.
• Ensure maritime Public Health guidelines and sanitation standards.
• Lead line cook training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
• Coordinate dietary requests and guest interactions during demos and events.
• Collaborate with Restaurant Manager, Maitre d's, Hotel Stores, and HR.

Skills

Maritime Certs

5-star exp

Sous Chef

Michelin/Relais

Culinary expertise

Public Health

Leadership

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.