Senior Sous Chef

Searcys; Greater London; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% discount across Searcys venues

Pension scheme enrollment

Up to 35 days annual leave

Meals provided on shift

Job summary

Searcys is recruiting a Sous Chef for the National Portrait Gallery’s Portrait Restaurant in London. You’ll be at the heart of creating unforgettable dining experiences and leading the kitchen brigade under the Head Chef, mentoring junior staff and ensuring exceptional food quality across all services.

Based in London, this 45-hour week includes Sunday to Tuesday daytime, with Wednesday to Saturday lunch and dinner shifts. Competitive salary and the chance to work in a premier, historic venue.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience in people management.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Able to work under pressure and adapt to changes.
• Takes initiative and has strong time management.

Responsibilities

• Provide high standard food/service and assist senior chefs with functions.
• Manage kitchen brigade in absence of executive chef.
• Train junior staff.
• Plan for provision of food across areas with team.
• Place orders with suppliers and manage stock.
• Ensure consistent food presentation per senior standards.
• Ensure health, safety and regulatory compliance.

Skills

People management

Communication

Initiative

Time management

Team player

Organization

Record keeping

Working under pressure

Job description

Searcys are looking for a Sous Chef to join the team at the National Portrait Gallery. As a Sous Chef at Searcys, you’ll be at the heart of creating unforgettable dining experiences, delivering exceptional food that leaves a lasting impression on every guest. More than supporting the Head Chef in the day‑to‑‑day running of the kitchen, you’ll inspire and mentor the brigade, helping shape a passionate and high‑performing team. At the stunning Portrait Restaurant, located within London’s iconic National Portrait Gallery, Searcys partnered with Michelin‑starred chef Richard Corrigan to create one of the capital’s most exciting culinary destinations. Since opening, Portrait Restaurant has earned industry recognition for its world‑class food and drink, quickly becoming one of London’s must‑visit dining experiences. As a Sous Chef you will enjoy a selection of industry leading benefits:

• 50% discount across Searcys venues
• Enrolment into the Searcys pension scheme
• Up to 35 days annual leave (dependant on job role)
• Access to everyday discounts and communication portal
• Employee assistance programme
• Enrolment into Searcys Champagne School
• Meals provided on shift when working within one of our venue
• Annual celebration event
• Cycle to work scheme
• Your birthday off to celebrate in style
• A day off to volunteer / give back to the charity of your choice

Job Description

Salary: £55,000 45 hrs per week Sunday to Tuesday daytime only Wednesday to Saturday lunch and dinner service.

Key Responsibilities

• To provide food/service to a consistent high standard, including assisting senior chefs with functions in other different areas throughout the business.
• To manage the kitchen brigade in the absence of the executive chef
• To assist training of junior staff
• To liaise with key people in the team in order to plan for the provision of food in all areas
• To place order directly with suppliers.
• To ensure smooth running of daily operations which include ensuring no disruption to the pre agreed menu offer.
• Responsible to manage stock levels of that specific area including ordering when required as well as waste control.
• Ensure the presentation of the food is consistent with the standards set by senior chefs.
• To comply with all legal requirements with particular reference to (but not exclusively) fire regulations, security, licence requirements and any Local Authority or Client stipulations.
• To ensure all Health, Hygiene and Safety requirements are being adhered to
• As described in the Searcy Health & Safety Policy, including best practices to ensure personal hygiene at all times.
• Demonstrate Personal Development.
• Any other reasonable request by the Senior Management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience in people management
• Excellent communication skills
• Takes the initiative
• Excellent time management
• Supportive / Team player
• Demonstrate high level of organisation.
• Excellent record keeping.
• To be willing to work the hours and the needs of the business
• To be able to work under pressure and to cope with any unforeseen circumstances i.e. function changes, requirements, sickness, etc.
• To have a positive and co-operative attitude.

Additional Information

We are the oldest caterer in the UK, founded in 1847. Working with us means being part of London’s most prestigious events and some of the country's most iconic venues. You’ll gain valuable experience and mentoring from skilled colleagues and have a chance to write your own chapter in our celebrated history. A career at Searcys means being part of something special. With our rich heritage, and ever-growing business, we will be delighted if you join us – a company with a strong sense of pride and belonging. To find out more on the rich history of Searcys, please visit our website at www.searcys.co.uk