London - Sous Chef

The Zetter; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted Food & Drink in Zetter Parl

Friends & Family Hotel Rates - 50% off

Birthday day off

Job summary

The Zetter in Clerkenwell, London, seeks a Sous Chef to join a boutique hospitality group known for intimate spaces and thoughtful service. You will lead service, oversee prep, and maintain high kitchen standards under the Head Chef.

This leadership role requires strong technical ability, calm authority, and a commitment to developing a high‑performing team; you will drive menu execution, uphold HACCP and safety, and mentor junior chefs and KP staff.

Qualifications

• Proven experience at Sous Chef level or strong Junior Sous ready to step up.
• Strong leadership, organisation, and service execution skills.
• Confident with stock, ordering, compliance, and training.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations and service execution, ensuring consistency and excellence.
• Ensure food quality meets the highest standards of flavour, freshness, and presentation.
• Drive effective communication between kitchen and FOH and manage feedback.
• Support recruitment, training, and development of chefs and KPs.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Service execution

Stock management

HACCP compliance

Job description

The Zetter is a quiet celebration of intimate spaces, timeless imperfection, and unapologetic British eccentricity. With our collection of boutique hotels, townhouses, and parlours nestled in London’s most characterful neighbourhoods, we offer more than a stay - we curate experiences brimming with thoughtful details, curated charm, and stories layered into every corner.

Our food and drink are an extension of this ethos - carefully crafted menus, perfectly poured cocktails, and service that feels warm, attentive, and never scripted. We believe that dining and drinking at The Zetter should be as memorable as sleeping under our roofs.

Nestled in a townhouse on one of London’s oldest squares, our Clerkenwell home is fuelled by a passion for super cocktails, sensational parties & the perfect slumber.

The Role

As Sous Chef, you are a key operational leader within the kitchen, responsible for supporting the Head Chef in delivering outstanding food quality, team performance, and kitchen standards. You will lead service, oversee preparation, uphold compliance, support menu development, and ensure the kitchen runs safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

This is a leadership role requiring strong technical ability, calm authority, and a commitment to developing a high-performing kitchen team.

Key Responsibilities

Service Leadership & Food Quality

• Lead daily kitchen operations and service execution, ensuring consistency and excellence.
• Ensure food quality meets the highest standards of flavour, freshness, and presentation.
• Run shift briefings and drive effective communication between kitchen and FOH.
• Manage feedback professionally, using it to improve standards and guest experience.

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage, inspire, and support the kitchen team, leading by example.
• Support recruitment, training, and development of chefs and KPs.
• Set clear expectations and maintain strong discipline, pride, and teamwork across the kitchen.

Menus, Suppliers & Costing

• Support menu development across the year, aligned with company standards and seasonality.
• Assist with dish costing, specifications, and methods of production.
• Build relationships with suppliers and local producers; support sustainable sourcing.
• Support stock takes, ordering, and stock movement controls.

Compliance, Safety & Hygiene

• Ensure daily H&S and HACCP checks are completed, logged, and corrective actions recorded.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness through robust cleaning rotas and daily checks.
• Ensure safe working practices across the kitchen, including waste and recycling procedures.

Operations & Handover

• Ensure full handovers at shift end and strong readiness for upcoming services/events.
• Support department targets and objectives, contributing to operational improvement.

About You

• Proven experience at Sous Chef level (or strong Junior Sous ready to step up).
• Strong leadership, organisation, and service execution skills.
• Confident with stock, ordering, compliance, and training.
• Passion for great food, great teams, and continuous improvement.

What Awaits You at The Zetter:

Discounted Food & Drink in all Zetter Parlours

Friends & Family Hotel Rates - 50% off for your favourite people

A paid day off on your birthday

A culture that values individuality, celebrates effort, and supports growth

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristics by law.