Senior Sous Chef

Richmond Harbour Hotel; London Borough of Richmond upon Thames; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus scheme

Parking on site

Stylish Harbour Hotels uniform

Complimentary meals on duty

Excellent career progression

Bespoke career development pathways

Ongoing training and internal promo

Exclusive hotel stays and F&B-discount

Employee benefits platform

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Harbour Hotels is seeking a passionate Senior Sous Chef to join our busy kitchen and lead a team of talented chefs across our Harbour Hotels group. You will work closely with the Head Chef to deliver exceptional dishes, maintain quality, and manage the kitchen during their absence.

We value creativity, leadership, and hands-on excellence in a high-volume, high-standards environment. A competitive salary and clear progression prospects await the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years' experience at Junior Sous Chef or Sous Chef level.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to manage a busy kitchen independently.
• Passion for fresh food and quality ingredients.
• Sound knowledge of food cost management and FCOS targets.
• Understanding of current food hygiene and health and safety regulations.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to perform under pressure.
• Proactive attitude and enthusiasm for developing self and others.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in overseeing the daily kitchen operations, ensuring a smooth and efficient service.
• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team, creating a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Take full responsibility for running the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food preparation, presentation and consistency.
• Monitor and manage food costs, stock control and wastage to achieve agreed financial targets.
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health and safety legislation, including kitchen risk assessments.
• Assist with menu development, bringing creativity, fresh ideas and a passion for quality ingredients.
• Support the training and development of junior chefs, helping to build a strong and motivated team.

Skills

Leadership

Food cost management

Health & safety

Attention to detail

Team development

Fresh food passion

High-volume kitchen

Job description

Are you a passionate and ambitious Senior Sous Chef ready to take the next step in your culinary career?

We have an exciting opportunity for a talented and experienced Senior Sous Chef to join our kitchen team at Harbour Hotels.

We are looking for a confident, creative and hands‑on chef who thrives in a fast‑paced, high‑volume kitchen and takes pride in delivering exceptional dishes using fresh, quality ingredients.

Working closely with the Head Chef, you will play a key role in the day‑to‑day operation of the kitchen, leading and inspiring the team while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, consistency and presentation.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in overseeing the daily kitchen operations, ensuring a smooth and efficient service.
• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team, creating a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Take full responsibility for running the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food preparation, presentation and consistency.
• Monitor and manage food costs, stock control and wastage to achieve agreed financial targets.
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health and safety legislation, including kitchen risk assessments.
• Assist with menu development, bringing creativity, fresh ideas and a passion for quality ingredients.
• Support the training and development of junior chefs, helping to build a strong and motivated team.

What We're Looking For

• A minimum of two years' experience at Junior Sous Chef or Sous Chef level, ideally within a high-volume, quality‑focused restaurant or hotel.
• Strong leadership skills and the confidence to manage a busy kitchen independently.
• A genuine passion for fresh food, quality ingredients and delivering exceptional dining experiences.
• Sound knowledge of food cost management and achieving FCOS targets.
• A thorough understanding of current food hygiene and health and safety regulations.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to perform under pressure.
• A proactive, positive attitude and a genuine enthusiasm for developing yourself and those around you.

What's in It for You?

At Harbour Hotels, we believe great hospitality starts with great people. We are committed to recognizing talent, investing in our teams and providing opportunities to develop rewarding, long‑term careers.

As part of our crew, you'll enjoy:

• Competitive salary reflecting your skills and experience.
• Bonus scheme
• Parking on site
• Stylish, specially designed Harbour Hotels uniform.
• Complimentary meals whilst on duty.
• Excellent career progression opportunities across the Harbour Hotels Group.
• Bespoke career development pathways tailored to your ambitions.
• Ongoing training and development, with opportunities for internal promotion across our collection of properties.
• Exclusive hotels stay and food & beverage discounts across the Harbour Hotels Group.
• Access to an exciting employee benefits platform, offering a variety of discounts and rewards.
• Employee Assistance Programme, providing additional support for your wellbeing.
• Complimentary meals whilst on duty.

Who We Are – Harbour Hotels

Harbour Hotels is an award‑winning collection of luxury hotels set in some of the most beautiful coastal, countryside and city destinations across the South of England.

Our portfolio combines distinctive properties, exceptional dining experiences, exciting restaurant concepts and our signature HarSPA facilities, creating memorable experiences for our guests.

Recognised as AA Hotel Group of the Year in 2018, Harbour Hotels continues to build on its reputation for exceptional hospitality, quality and individuality.

We are passionate about our people and believe in creating an environment where talent is recognised, ideas are valued and careers can flourish.

Ready to Join Our Crew?

If you have the passion, leadership skills and culinary expertise to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you!

Take the next step in your culinary career and become part of the Harbour Hotels family.

Please note that only candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid UK work permit/visa will be considered for this position.

Compensation: Competitive salary