Hotel Sous Chef

DDH Recruitment Ltd; Lavenham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Job summary

DDH Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Senior Sous Chef for a historic coaching inn in Lavenham, Suffolk. You will be the Head Chef's right hand, leading the brigade, running the pass and ensuring rosette-level standards across services.

The role offers a permanent, full-time contract with live-in accommodation at £81 per week and a starting salary of £39,000 per year. You will develop menus, train juniors and maintain high food-safety and cost control.

Qualifications

• Must have worked in a rosette-standard kitchen (AA Rosette background essential).
• Proven experience as a Senior Sous Chef, or a strong Sous Chef ready to step up.
• Excellent classical skills and a real eye for detail on the plate.
• Able to lead, teach and motivate a team under pressure.
• Sound knowledge of costings, GP and stock control.
• Level 2 Food Safety or above.

Responsibilities

• Run the kitchen and the pass in the Head Chef's absence
• Deliver every dish to a consistent rosette standard
• Help develop seasonal menus and new dishes with the Head Chef
• Lead, train and develop the brigade, from commis to sous chef
• Manage ordering, stock control, GP and waste
• Keep food safety, hygiene and allergen records up to date
• Plan rotas and prep so every service runs smoothly

Skills

Rosette kitchen experience

Senior Sous Chef experience

Classical cooking skills

Leadership

Costing and stock control

Food safety level 2+

Calm, organised, reliable

Education

Level 2 Food Safety or above

Job description

Senior Sous Chef

Historic Coaching Inn — Lavenham, Suffolk

Location: Lavenham, Suffolk

Salary: £39,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

Live-In / Accommodation: Available at £81 per week

Overview

This is a beautifully preserved coaching inn in the heart of Lavenham, Suffolk — one of England's best-preserved medieval villages. Timber frames, centuries of history, and a kitchen that cooks at rosette level.

The Head Chef needs a strong Senior Sous Chef to lead alongside them. You'll run the pass when they're off, keep standards high every service, and help shape the menus.

The Role

You'll be the Head Chef's right hand. You'll lead the brigade day to day, run service, train junior chefs and hold the kitchen to rosette standard. When the Head Chef is off, the kitchen is yours.

Key Responsibilities

• Run the kitchen and the pass in the Head Chef's absence
• Deliver every dish to a consistent rosette standard
• Help develop seasonal menus and new dishes with the Head Chef
• Lead, train and develop the brigade, from commis to sous chef
• Manage ordering, stock control, GP and waste
• Keep food safety, hygiene and allergen records up to date
• Plan rotas and prep so every service runs smoothly

Key Requirements

• Must have worked in a rosette-standard kitchen (AA Rosette background essential)
• Proven experience as a Senior Sous Chef, or a strong Sous Chef ready to step up
• Excellent classical skills and a real eye for detail on the plate
• Able to lead, teach and motivate a team under pressure
• Sound knowledge of costings, GP and stock control
• Level 2 Food Safety or above
• Calm, organised and reliable

What's On Offer

• £39,000 per annum
• Live-in accommodation available at £81 per week
• A senior role in a rosette-standard kitchen
• Real input into menus and the direction of the food
• A historic setting in one of Suffolk's most beautiful villages
• A full-time, permanent role with real job security

CVs in English (Word or PDF format only)

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