Senior Sous Chef

Hawksmoor; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid overtime

Tronc paid for hours

Free team meals

50% off food

Income protection

Volunteer days

Early wage access

Referral bonuses

Exclusive savings

Welfare budget

Training and progression

Job summary

Hawksmoor is seeking a Senior Sous Chef to lead kitchen operations alongside the Head Chef. You will drive high standards, mentor junior staff and safeguard food safety while maintaining exceptional quality and presentation across all dishes.

In this senior, hands-on role you will influence menu development, support commercial performance, and shape the brigade's culture through strong leadership and clear communication.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Senior Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef in a quality, high-volume kitchen.
• Confident leader who builds motivated, high-performing teams.
• Technically strong with excellent organisational skills.
• Calm, decisive and solutions-focused under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in leading the overall kitchen operation.
• Lead services with confidence, setting standards across all sections.
• Coach and develop Junior Sous Chefs, Senior CDPs and the wider team.
• Ensure consistency, quality and presentation meet Hawksmoor standards.
• Oversee food safety, stock control and kitchen organisation.
• Contribute to menu development and continuous improvement.
• Drive performance through strong communication and leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

Food safety

Quality control

Menu development

Communication

Job description

Senior Sous Chef

Since 2006, Hawksmoor has been the UK’s home of ethically sourced, grass-fed beef, cooked over charcoal and paired with award-winning wines and cocktails. We’re proud to be a certified B Corp, one of the most sustainable restaurant groups in the industry, and to have been recognised as one of the Best Companies to work for year after year.

As Senior Sous Chef at Hawksmoor, you’ll be a key leader within the kitchen, working closely with the Head Chef to deliver exceptional food, develop a high-performing team and drive strong operational standards. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role where you’ll take ownership of service, support the commercial performance of the kitchen and help shape the culture of the brigade.

What You’ll Do

• Support the Head Chef in leading the overall kitchen operation


• Lead services with confidence, setting standards across all sections


• Coach and develop Junior Sous Chefs, Senior CDPs and the wider team


• Ensure consistency, quality and presentation meet Hawksmoor standards


• Oversee food safety, stock control and kitchen organisation


• Contribute to menu development and continuous improvement


• Drive performance through strong communication and leadership

Who You Are

• Experienced as a Senior Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef in a quality, high-volume kitchen


• A confident leader who builds motivated, high-performing teams


• Technically strong with excellent organisational skills


• Calm, decisive and solutions-focused under pressure


• Commercially aware and aligned with business performance goals


• Values-led and passionate about developing others

Our Values

• Welcome Everyone - We create warm, inclusive spaces where people feel genuinely welcome.


• Work Hard and Be Nice to People - We set high standards and treat each other with kindness and respect.


• Hit Hawksmoor Standards - We care deeply about quality and consistency every day.


• Keep Evolving - We stay curious, open to feedback and always looking to improve.

Benefits

• Paid overtime on salaries


• Tronc paid for every hour you work, including holidays and breaks


• Free team meals on shift


• 50% off food at Hawksmoor for you and your loved ones


• Income protection and death in service cover


• Paid annual volunteer days


• Stream early wage access and financial wellbeing tools


• Referral bonuses from day one


• Exclusive savings on travel, shopping and experiences


• Restaurant welfare budget for snacks, drinks and support


• Full training and development with clear progression pathways

We’re building a team that reflects the richness and diversity of the communities we serve. At Hawksmoor, we welcome everyone and believe in creating a workplace where individuality is celebrated, kindness is key and high standards are met together. If this role excites you but you don’t meet every requirement, please apply anyway. You might be exactly who we’re looking for.