Senior Sous Chef

Ottolenghi; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading culinary venue in Hampstead is looking for a talented Senior Sous Chef. This is a chance to step into a leadership position, play a key role in menu development, and help maintain the highest culinary standards while inspiring a dedicated kitchen team.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Staff Meals

Career Development Opportunities

English Language Training

Enhanced Parental Pay

Special Birthday Treat

Refer a Friend

Exclusive Workshops & Demos

Discounts Across the Ottolenghi Group

Wellness & Support

Qualifications

• Proven track record in a similar senior role.
• Experienced in managing a high-quality, fast-paced kitchen.
• Passionate about food and fresh ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations.
• Lead and mentor junior chefs in a collaborative environment.
• Contribute to seasonal menu development and food preparation.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational Skills

Food Hygiene

Creativity

Job description

Ottolenghi is well-known for its loyal following and a reputation for offering exceptional Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Our beautiful venue in the heart of Hampstead is seeking a talented Senior Sous Chef to join our warm and welcoming back of house team. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a leadership role in a dynamic kitchen, play a key part in menu development, and help deliver the Ottolenghi experience at the highest level.

As a Senior Sous Chef at Ottolenghi Hampstead, you will:

• Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring smooth service and exceptional standards
• Lead and inspire the kitchen brigade, mentoring junior chefs and fostering a collaborative environment
• Take a hands-on role in food preparation and cooking, with responsibility for consistency and quality across all sections
• Collaborate on seasonal menu development and contribute creative ideas for new dishes
• Uphold and promote the highest standards of food hygiene, safety, and kitchen organisation
• Step in for the Head Chef when required, ensuring continuity of leadership and service excellence

The ideal Senior Sous Chef will be:

• Passionate about food and excited to work with fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold flavours
• A natural leader with strong communication and organisational skills
• Experienced in managing a high-quality, fast-paced kitchen, with a proven track record in a similar senior role
• Meticulous in maintaining high standards of cleanliness, consistency, and presentation
• Enthusiastic about developing others and contributing to a positive kitchen culture
• Confident in working closely with suppliers and managing stock and ordering processes

What's in it for you?

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: A full benefits package to support your well-being
• Staff Meals: Enjoy delicious meals during your shift, made with the same care as everything we serve our guests
• Career Development Opportunities: Tailored training and internal progression to help you thrive in your role and beyond
• English Language Training: Courses at Basic, Intermediate, and Business levels to support personal and professional growth
• Enhanced Parental Pay: After two years of service, benefit from enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Surrogacy, or Primary Care Giver Pay, as well as Paternity Pay
• Special Birthday Treat: A little something special to celebrate your day
• Refer a Friend: Earn £500 for each successful referral
• Exclusive Workshops & Demos: Monthly cooking demos and food, wine, and cocktail workshops in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen
• Discounts Across the Ottolenghi Group: Generous discounts on food, drinks, and products across our restaurants and shops
• Wellness & Support: Access to wellness programs, mental health support, and a caring environment where we take care of our team

Join us at Ottolenghi Hampstead and be part of a passionate team that loves what it does and takes pride in every plate.