Knightsbridge Sous Chef — Lead Italian Kitchen

Thesleff Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Health Insurance

10 days fully paid sick leave

50% off when dining at our restaurants

Career development and progression

People-focused and inclusive culture

Opportunity to be part of Knightsbris​

The kitchen team at iconic Knightsbr​​

Job summary

Sale e Pepe Knightsbridge is seeking an exceptional Sous Chef to join the team under the Thesleff Group. This iconic Italian restaurant in Knightsbridge requires a strong, hands-on leader to support the Head Chef and nurture a top-tier kitchen team.

You will work in a busy premium setting, delivering consistently excellent Italian food and upholding the restaurant’s identity and standards. The role offers career progression within a growing hospitality group and a people-focused culture.

Qualifications

• You will already be an experienced Sous Chef, or a strong Senior Chef de Partie ready to step into a Sous Chef position within a restaurant of this calibre.
• A strong understanding of Italian cuisine, ingredients and cooking techniques is essential, alongside experience within premium, high-volume restaurants.
• More importantly, we want someone who genuinely cares about their kitchen and their people.
• You will set high standards, lead by example and understand that a successful kitchen is not just measured by what leaves the pass – it is also measured by the strength, stability and development of the team behind it.
• You will be hands-on, organised and calm under pressure, with the leadership skills to support the Head Chef and inspire the wider kitchen brigade.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in leading, motivating and developing the kitchen brigade.
• Help deliver consistently excellent food across every service.
• Maintain the quality, identity and standards of Sale e Pepe.
• Oversee mise en place and service flow to ensure smooth and consistent execution.
• Support the management of food costs, stock, ordering and wastage.
• Help manage kitchen labour effectively and ensure the team is deployed efficiently.
• Support the training, development and progression of junior chefs.
• Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene and compliance standards, including HACCP.
• Lead by example and maintain high standards of kitchen discipline and organisation.
• Work closely with the Head Chef and restaurant management team to deliver an outstanding guest experience.
• Contribute to seasonal menu development, bringing fresh ideas rooted in Italian culinary tradition.
• Step up and take responsibility for the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence.

Job description

Sale e Pepe Knightsbridge is seeking an exceptional Sous Chef to join the team under the Thesleff Group. This iconic Italian restaurant in Knightsbridge requires a strong, hands-on leader to support the Head Chef and nurture a top-tier kitchen team.

You will work in a busy premium setting, delivering consistently excellent Italian food and upholding the restaurant’s identity and standards. The role offers career progression within a growing hospitality group and a people-focused culture.