Executive Sous Chef

Silversea; Normanton on Trent; On-site; GBP 67,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Silversea is seeking an Executive Sous Chef to serve as the second-in-command of our shipboard culinary team, assisting the Executive Chef in leading daily galley operations for ultra-luxury, five-star dining. You will manage menu execution, standard of sanitation, inventory, and staff, stepping in as operational lead as required.

This role requires exceptional culinary craftsmanship, guest-focused service, and proven leadership in a high-volume luxury environment aboard a cruise ship.

Qualifications

• STCW95 maritime certification; physically and medically fit for sea duty.
• 7+ years in an international 5-star establishment (at least 1 year as Sous Chef).
• 2+ years as Sous Chef in a Michelin Star or Relais & Châteaux environment.
• Strong foundation in European and International cuisines; excellent knife skills.
• Thorough understanding of maritime public health regulations and labor standards (ILO/MLC).
• High integrity and exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills.

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 galley walkthroughs, monitor mis-en-place, enforce recipe adherence, and manage inventory, requisitions, and waste reduction.
• Public Health & Safety: lead compliance with maritime public health guidelines, sanitation protocols, IPM, and equipment temperature logging.
• Team Leadership & Administration: oversee line cook training, scheduling, performance evaluations, and crew loading/duty assignments.
• Guest Focus & Dietary Needs: coordinate special dietary requests, accommodate allergies/intolerances, engage with guests through cooking demos and events.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: work with Restaurant Manager, Maitre d's, Hotel Stores, and HR to maintain seamless service and staff welfare.

Skills

Team Leadership

Guest Satisfaction

Quality Control

Dietary Accommodations

Public Health

Menu Execution

Inventory Management

Staff Training

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.