Lead Sous Chef — Opening Kitchen, Live Music Venue

Blue Note London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Blue Note staff discount

Company pension scheme

28 days paid annual leave

Ongoing training and professional dev.

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Blue Note London, Covent Garden, is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to lead the opening kitchen team. You will work closely with the Head Chef to ensure exceptional food quality, smooth service and a positive culture across the brigade.

You will mentor junior chefs, develop menu ideas and maintain strict HACCP standards while managing stock, ordering and costs. This hands-on role requires calm leadership and flexibility for evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Experience as Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a quality restaurant, hotel or hospitality venue.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety and HACCP procedures.
• Experience managing high-volume service while maintaining exceptional quality.
• Flexible to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
• The legal right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in day-to-day management of the kitchen operation.
• Lead kitchen service in the Head Chef's absence, ensuring smooth, efficient and professional execution.
• Supervise, coach and develop the kitchen brigade, creating a positive and supportive working environment.
• Ensure every dish leaving the kitchen consistently meets Blue Note's quality and presentation standards.
• Assist with menu development, recipe testing and seasonal menu changes.
• Monitor food quality throughout preparation and service.
• Manage stock levels, placing orders and ensuring inventory control.
• Minimise food waste through stock rotation and portion control.
• Ensure deliveries are checked, stored and recorded correctly.
• Maintain HACCP procedures and compliance with food safety legislation.
• Monitor kitchen cleanliness and organisation.
• Assist with rota planning to ensure appropriate staffing levels.
• Support recruitment, interviewing and onboarding of new kitchen team members.
• Deliver ongoing coaching, training and performance feedback.
• Ensure equipment is maintained and report maintenance requirements.
• Work with Front of House to ensure seamless guest experiences.
• Assist in controlling kitchen labour and food cost budgets.
• Promote a positive, respectful and professional team culture.
• Support private events, VIP dinners and performances when required.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Food safety & HACCP

High-volume service

Mentoring & development

Menu development

Budget control

Time management

Team collaboration

Calm under pressure

Job description

Blue Note London, Covent Garden, is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to lead the opening kitchen team. You will work closely with the Head Chef to ensure exceptional food quality, smooth service and a positive culture across the brigade.

You will mentor junior chefs, develop menu ideas and maintain strict HACCP standards while managing stock, ordering and costs. This hands-on role requires calm leadership and flexibility for evenings and weekends.