Senior Sous Chef

TN United Kingdom; Luton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-run UK business is seeking a committed Senior Sous Chef to join their team at an airport food outlet. This role involves supporting the Head Chef, managing kitchen operations, and ensuring high standards of food preparation and service. Ideal candidates will have extensive kitchen experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences.

Benefits

Free meals while on duty

Health & wellbeing cash plan

Employee Assistance Programme

28 days annual leave, increasing with service

Qualifications

• Extensive senior-level kitchen experience with leadership responsibility.
• Ability to manage teams and individuals in a kitchen setting.
• Proven ability to assess health and safety concerns.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in managing kitchen operations.
• Coach and motivate the back-of-house team.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

Skills

Team Leadership

Stock Management

Health and Safety Compliance

Customer Service

Education

Advanced Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

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We are a family-run UK business operating food and beverage outlets at airports, delivering exceptional experiences for all our customers. We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic Senior Sous Chef to join our team . The site has a lively, family-friendly atmosphere, and our people are central to the success of our restaurants.

As Sous Chef, you’ll assist the Head Chef in managing the kitchen and ensure that food is prepared to the highest standards. You will be a reliable, hardworking, and enthusiastic team player, passionate about food and beverages and dedicated to providing exceptional customer dining experiences.

This is an hourly paid role, and shifts may include early morning starts (e.g., 4 a.m.) or late finishes (e.g., the last flight), with no requirement for split or double shifts.

The Role

You will support the Head Chef in overseeing kitchen operations, stock control, and maintaining health and safety standards. You’ll coach and motivate the back-of-house team to deliver excellent service and help ensure that the kitchen runs smoothly, even in the Head Chef's absence.

Main Duties:

Ensure smooth service of high standards , particularly in the absence of the Head Chef.

Support the Head Chef with stock control and ordering.

Oversee, coach, and guide the team to ensure outstanding customer service, while adhering to health and safety and hygiene regulations.

Prepare staff rotas and ensure clear task allocation during shift briefs.

Support recruitment, induction, and training of new team members and provide feedback on team development.

Motivate the team through effective communication and feedback.

Address staff concerns or provide corrective feedback in a timely manner .

Keep the wider management team informed of any key issues during shifts.

Work collaboratively with front-of-house colleagues to ensure excellent customer service.

Requirements

We are looking for an experienced, self-motivated, and enthusiastic individual who is flexible with shift patterns and willing to undertake a variety of duties as needed.

Preferred Criteria:

Qualifications:

Advanced Food Hygiene certificate (desirable but not essential).

Extensive senior-level kitchen experience with leadership responsibility.

Familiarity with airport-based hospitality settings.

Proven ability to assess and address health and safety or food preparation concerns.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to build strong relationships with colleagues.

Proven ability to manage teams and individuals in a kitchen setting.

Highly organised and able to engage others while working under pressure.

Ability to manage conflicting priorities while maintaining service levels.

Ability to manage stock ordering and rotation effectively, maximising revenue and reducing waste.

Personal Qualities:

Self-motivated.

Decisive.

Exceptional team leadership skills.

Resilient and calm under pressure.

Salary & Benefits

£17.00 per hour.

Tronc (tips and gratuities distribution system) via an elected troncmaster .

Free meals while on duty at the site, from the 'Staff Duty Meal' options.

Health & wellbeing cash plan, also offering discounts and perks across hundreds of retailers

Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for health and well-being support from day one.

28 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), increasing by 1 day a year up to a maximum of 32 days.

Please note:

All successful candidates will be required to:

Provide proof of their right to work in the UK.

Hold an Airport Security ID Pass, which we will assist with. The application process requires the production of a valid passport, a criminal record check, and five years of personal and employment references.

If you meet these requirements and would like to join our team, please apply today!

At ARE Ltd, we recognise the value of diversity and inclusivity in fostering a truly remarkable experience for all our customers. Our commitment extends beyond retail to building a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives and experiences. We believe that embracing diversity in our teams enables us to provide exceptional service and innovation.

We are dedicated to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work, with a strong commitment to promoting equity in both physical and mental health for everyone. To achieve this, we encourage applications from individuals of disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, disabled persons, LGBTQ+ community members, Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, and those with lived experiences of discrimination.

Accessibility and Adjustments

ARE Ltd is committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process. We strive to be as accommodating as possible to ensure all candidates can participate fully. If you have specific requirements or need adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please do not hesitate to get in touch. In your application, feel free to indicate your preferred pronouns (for example - she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc.) to help us better address and respect your identity throughout the process.