Senior Sous Chef

Little & Large Inns Limited; Dorking; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation available

Award-winning country pub and inn

Independent hospitality company

Menu development opportunities

Career progression opportunities

Professional development

Job summary

The Running Horses is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join our kitchen team at our beautifully restored country inn in Mickleham. Working with the Head Chef, you will help lead the kitchen, maintain top food quality and ensure every dish is presented to the highest standard.

You will support day-to-day management, lead during the Head Chef’s absence, develop menus and train junior chefs while maintaining a calm, professional kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• Experience as Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef ready to progress.
• Passion for fresh, seasonal British food.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Calm and focused during busy services.
• Pride in consistency, presentation and detail.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef with day-to-day management of the kitchen.
• Lead services and manage the kitchen in Head Chef’s absence.
• Prepare and deliver fresh, seasonal dishes to high standard.
• Help develop menus, specials and dishes using quality ingredients.
• Train, support and motivate junior kitchen team members.
• Manage food preparation, ordering, stock rotation and waste.
• Support achievement of food gross profit and labour targets.
• Ensure cleanliness, food safety and allergen management standards.
• Maintain a calm, organised and professional kitchen environment.

Skills

Leadership

Organisation

Attention to detail

Calm under pressure

Food safety

Allergen procedures

Team development

Job description

The Running Horses is looking for an experienced and motivated Sous Chef to join our kitchen team at our beautifully restored country inn in Mickleham

The role

Working closely with our Head Chef, you will play an important role in the daily operation of the kitchen. You will help lead the team, maintain excellent food quality and ensure every dish is prepared and presented to the highest standard.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the Head Chef with the day-to-day management of the kitchen
• Leading services and managing the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence
• Preparing and delivering fresh, seasonal dishes to a consistently high standard
• Helping develop menus, specials and dishes using quality ingredients
• Training, supporting and motivating junior members of the kitchen team
• Managing food preparation, ordering, stock rotation and waste
• Supporting the achievement of food gross profit and labour targets
• Ensuring excellent standards of cleanliness, food safety and allergen management
• Maintaining a calm, organised and professional kitchen environment

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience as a Sous Chef or a strong Junior Sous Chef ready to progress
• Is passionate about fresh, seasonal British food
• Has strong leadership and organisational skills
• Can remain calm and focused during busy services
• Takes pride in consistency, presentation and attention to detail
• Understands food safety, allergen procedures and kitchen compliance
• Enjoys training and developing other chefs
• Is reliable, positive and committed to being part of a successful team

What we offer

• A salary of £45,000 per annum
• Accommodation available
• The opportunity to work in an award-winning country pub and inn
• A supportive and ambitious independent hospitality company
• The opportunity to contribute to menu development and kitchen standards
• Genuine opportunities for professional development and career progression

The Running Horses is part of the Little & Large Pub Company, an independent collection of characterful pubs focused on excellent food, genuine hospitality and creating memorable experiences for our guests.