Executive Sous Chef

Silversea; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 67,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Silversea is seeking an Executive Sous Chef to join our shipboard culinary team, acting as second-in-command to the Executive Chef and leading daily galley operations to deliver ultra-luxury dining. The role requires exceptional culinary craftsmanship, a focus on guest satisfaction and dietary accommodations, and proven leadership in a high-volume, luxury environment.

STCW95 and extensive cruise line experience preferred.

Qualifications

• STCW95 certification and sea-duty fitness are required.
• Minimum 7 years in international 5-star establishments with at least 1 year as Sous Chef.
• Minimum 2 years as Sous Chef in Michelin Star or Relais & Châteaux environments.
• Strong expertise in European and international cuisines and guest dietary accommodations.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef in daily galley management and menu execution.
• Lead kitchen staff and supervise line cooks for high-volume luxury service.
• Enforce Public Health, sanitation, IPM, and temperature logging aboard.
• Monitor inventory, requisitions, and waste reduction to optimize costs.
• Coordinate dietary requests and engage guests through demos and events.

Skills

Leadership

Guest service

Team management

Culinary excellence

Communication

Education

STCW95 certification

International 5-star hospitality experience

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.