Lead Sous Chef – Pre-Opening, Mediterranean Kitchen

Delano Hotels; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hotel stays

Group experiences

Development opportunities

Job summary

Delano London, opening late 2026, seeks an exceptional Sous Chef for the pre-opening culinary team. Reporting to the Executive Head Chef and collaborating with the Senior Sous, you will help deliver Lana Lusa’s food experience and build a confident opening kitchen.

You will lead by example, coach junior chefs, ensure HACCP and food safety standards, and coordinate with Front of House. This is a hands-on, high-standard role in a luxury hotel setting that offers development within a global

Qualifications

• Strong sous chef experience in luxury hotel or premium restaurant.
• Pre-opening experience is highly desirable.
• Mediterranean/Portuguese-inspired cuisine knowledge is a plus.
• Hands-on leader on the pass with high standards.
• Comfort across breakfast, lunch, dinner and events.
• Natural team player who coaches junior chefs.
• Food safety, HACCP, allergen management awareness.
• Understanding of portion control and food cost.
• Organised, reliable and detail-focused.
• Calm under pressure with ownership mindset.
• Passion for ingredients, guest experience and quality.

Responsibilities

• Support Executive Head Chef and Senior Sous Chef in daily kitchen operations across meals and events.
• Lead an assigned section, ensuring prep, timing, presentation and consistency.
• Set a calm, clear service pace and maintain high standards.
• Deliver Lana Lusa concepts with Mediterranean and London influences.
• Prepare, cook and present dishes to Delano standards with proper portioning.
• Assist recruitment, onboarding and training of opening kitchen team.
• Coach Commis Chefs and Demi Chefs through instruction and feedback.
• Implement kitchen SOPs, prep lists and service procedures.
• Maintain mise en place for VIP dining, events and activations.
• Coordinate with Front of House and hotel departments to ensure guest focus.
• Monitor food quality, temperature and freshness throughout service.
• Support stock control, deliveries and waste reduction.
• Work with culinary leadership on food cost and productivity targets.
• Ensure HACCP, allergen management and safety compliance.

Skills

Sous Chef experience

Pre-opening experience

Mediterranean cuisine

Mentoring juniors

Food safety HACCP

Tools

HACCP knowledge

Job description

Delano London, opening late 2026, seeks an exceptional Sous Chef for the pre-opening culinary team. Reporting to the Executive Head Chef and collaborating with the Senior Sous, you will help deliver Lana Lusa’s food experience and build a confident opening kitchen.

You will lead by example, coach junior chefs, ensure HACCP and food safety standards, and coordinate with Front of House. This is a hands-on, high-standard role in a luxury hotel setting that offers development within a global