Executive Sous Chef

Estelle Manor; North Leigh; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury hospitality establishment in the UK is seeking an experienced Executive Sous Chef to lead culinary operations. You will provide inspirational leadership to the kitchen team, manage food safety and compliance, and drive creativity in menu development. The ideal candidate has proven experience in high-end kitchens, strong operational skills, and a passion for food excellence.

Benefits

Biannual company socials

Exclusive staff rates

30 days holiday

Free single cover Private health care

Uniform provided

Qualifications

• Proven experience at senior level within high-end kitchens or luxury hospitality environments.
• Strong organisational, financial and operational skills.
• Ability to lead and inspire a team under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in managing daily operations.
• Drive culinary creativity and develop seasonal menus.
• Manage budgets, food and labour costs.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary Creativity

Food Safety Management

Team Development

Operational Skills

Job description

We are currently looking for a passionate and experienced Executive Sous Chef to support our Executive Chef in leading the culinary direction across Estelle Manor, with a focus on our Fallow House event space, private dining, in‑room dining and main kitchen. Here's a bit more detail on what we see you doing in this role:

Responsibilities and Qualifications

• Providing inspirational leadership and clear direction to our culinary teams across all restaurants and food outlets, with a focus on our event, private dining in‑room dining and main kitchen.
• Taking full responsibility for events and activations, helping to deliver exceptional food experiences that delight our members and guests.
• Supporting the Executive Chef in managing daily operations and stepping in as second‑in‑command when required.
• Driving culinary creativity while upholding our food vision, working closely with the wider leadership team to develop seasonal, innovative menus.
• Managing food safety, compliance, and kitchen hygiene in line with UK legislation and internal standards.
• Ensuring all team members are fully briefed on provenance, allergens, and dietary considerations.
• Managing budgets, food and labour costs, procurement and inventory to ensure profitability.
• Mentoring and developing the kitchen team, coordinating training plans and fostering cross‑functional working.
• Creating a positive, motivating and supportive kitchen culture where team members can thrive.
• Championing our values and helping to create a hosted, home‑away‑from‑home feel in everything you do.
  A talented Executive Sous Chef who brings energy, leadership, and creativity to the kitchen. You'll be passionate about delivering food excellence at every level and committed to building a high‑performing, happy team.
• Proven experience at senior level within high‑end kitchens or luxury hospitality environments.
• A genuine passion for food, flavour, and hospitality.
• Strong organisational, financial and operational skills.
• Ability to lead and inspire a team under pressure with calm, clear communication.
• Hands‑on, collaborative approach to working across departments.
• A problem‑solver and decision‑maker with a keen eye for detail.
• Enthusiastic, charismatic and dedicated to creating an exceptional member and guest experience.
  Estelle Manor is a rural retreat set on an 85‑acre estate in Oxfordshire. The manor has four restaurants, an extraordinary 3,000 sq metre Roman‑inspired spa‑Eynsham Baths, 108 bedrooms and a gym with class studios and padel courts. Plus, there's a kids' club for the little ones and a workspace. As the countryside companion to Maison Estelle, the manor is also a 'hosted home', bringing people together that have plenty to say and nothing to prove.
• Biannual company socials plus smaller social and sports groups.
• Exclusive staff rates and F&B discounts across sister properties.
• Estelleversary and Birthday Wheel gifting for all employees (including overnight stays and dinners).
• Colleague spaces stocked with food, drinks, and locally sourced coffee.
• Seasonal, daily stocked Smart Fridges with freshly prepared meals while on shift.
• Added protection of both our pension and life assurance schemes.
• 30 days holiday, inclusive of bank holidays, which increases with length of service.
• Colleague Forums and Sustainability Committees to help create The Estelle Way.
• Recommend‑a‑friend bonus scheme.
• Uniform provided, cleaned, and pressed.
• Free single cover Private health care.
• Onsite seamstresses to ensure your uniform is fitted and repaired.

About gratuities & service charge:

• Gratuities (tips) are paid on a pro‑rata basis regardless of your role.