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Perfect Recruitment; North East; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Perfect Recruitment is seeking a Sous Chef for a high-volume countryside hotel in the Durham area. The role involves working closely with the Executive Chef to coordinate a busy kitchen across restaurant, hotel dining, banqueting and events.

You’ll lead from the front, manage multiple sections during peak periods and ensure food safety, consistency and quality across all menus. The position offers a clear path for development within a dynamic kitchen team.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef in a high-volume operation.
• Experience in hotel, restaurant, events or banqueting environments.
• Ability to lead a kitchen team during busy services.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and allergens.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple demands.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef with the smooth running of a high-volume kitchen.
• Lead the team during busy restaurant, function and event services.
• Manage multiple sections and priorities during peak periods.
• Maintain consistency across fresh and pre-prepared menu items.
• Prepare and deliver food to a consistently high standard and volume.
• Support functions, weddings, events and larger-scale banqueting.
• Train, support and develop junior kitchen team members.
• Maintain food safety, allergen and hygiene standards.

Skills

High-volume leadership

Team leadership

Food safety

Allergen awareness

Organisational skills

Calm under pressure

Mentoring/handover

Consistency and quality

Job description

Sous Chef - High Volume Countryside Hotel

£35,000 per annum

Full-time

Perfect Recruitment are working with a well-established countryside hotel in the Durham area, currently looking for a strong and experienced Sous Chef to join their busy kitchen team.

This is a high-volume operation, covering a combination of restaurant service, hotel dining, functions, events and banqueting. The kitchen operates across both freshly prepared dishes and pre-prepared menu elements, with a strong focus on consistency, efficiency and maintaining standards during busy services.

The role would suit a Sous Chef who is comfortable working at pace, leading from the front and managing the demands of a varied hotel operation.

The Role

Working closely with the Executive Chef, you'll play a key role in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, helping to coordinate the team and ensure food is delivered consistently across all areas of the business.

You'll be involved in:

• Supporting the Executive Chef with the smooth running of a high-volume kitchen
• Leading the team during busy restaurant, function and event services
• Managing multiple sections and priorities during peak periods
• Maintaining consistency across both fresh and pre-prepared menu items
• Preparing and delivering food to a consistently high standard and volume
• Supporting functions, weddings, events and larger-scale banqueting
• Training, supporting and developing junior members of the kitchen team
• Maintaining food safety, allergen and hygiene standards
• Helping to drive efficiency, organisation and consistency throughout the kitchen

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef in a high-volume operation
• Experience within a hotel, restaurant, events or banqueting environment
• Comfortable working across restaurant and large-scale function service
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple demands
• Confident leading a kitchen team during busy services
• A hands-on approach with a strong work ethic
• Good understanding of food safety, allergens and kitchen compliance
• Someone who understands the importance of consistency, portion control and efficient service
• A natural leader who enjoys supporting and developing other chefs
• A positive, calm approach when working under pressure

What's on Offer

• Bonus and incentive schemes
• Company discounts across hotels, food, drink and leisure
• Ongoing training and development
• Genuine progression opportunities
• The opportunity to work closely with a new Executive Chef
• A key role in developing and strengthening a long-term kitchen team
• No live-in accommodation available
• Rural location - own transport or a reliable means of getting to work is essential

This is a great opportunity for a Sous Chef who enjoys a busy, varied environment and wants to be part of a kitchen where consistency, teamwork and high-volume service are central to the operation.