Senior Sous Chef - Back of House

Careers Site; Hounslow; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Store discounts

Free meals on shift

Holiday entitlement

Pension scheme

Job summary

Fortnum & Mason Heathrow is seeking an experienced Senior Sous Chef to lead a high-volume kitchen within the airport operation. You will work closely with the Head Chef, develop a strong brigade, and drive culinary excellence to reflect the Fortnum & Mason heritage.

We expect proven leadership, discipline on food safety and HACCP, and the ability to coach chefs while delivering exceptional guest experiences in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Sous Chef within high-volume hospitality, restaurant, hotel, airport, or production kitchen.
• Strong leadership with a track record of developing kitchen teams.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and time management skills.
• Solid understanding of food safety, HACCP, and health & safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in day-to-day management of the Heathrow kitchen operation.
• Ensure food is delivered to high standards across all areas of responsibility.
• Coach, mentor, and develop Chef de Parties and Commis Chefs.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, and portion control to reflect Fortnum & Mason standards.
• Maintain food safety records, audits, due diligence, and temperature monitoring.
• Manage stock control, stocktakes, and inventory while minimising waste.
• Support labour management and kitchen operational performance.
• Collaborate with front-of-house teams to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Communicate menu changes, product knowledge, and operational updates.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, HACCP, health & safety, and company policies.
• Deliver coaching, performance feedback, and development opportunities to kitchen team members.

Skills

Senior Sous Chef

Leadership

Organisational skills

Communication

Food safety HACCP

Stock management

Labour management

Pressure handling

Guest experience focus

Job description

Located within Heathrow Terminals 3 and 4, Fortnum's Bar showcases the very best of the Fortnum & Mason brand, offering travellers exceptional food, world-class Champagne, and renowned service in a unique airport environment

We are currently recruiting an experienced Senior Sous Chef to join our Heathrow culinary operation. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and driven chef who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment, delivering consistently high standards while leading and developing a talented brigade

Working closely with the Head Chef, you will play a key role in driving kitchen performance, maintaining operational excellence, and ensuring every dish reflects the quality and heritage synonymous with Fortnum & Mason

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day management of the Heathrow kitchen operation
• Ensure food is consistently delivered to the highest standards across all areas of responsibility
• Coach, mentor, and develop Chef de Parties and Commis Chefs, leading by example
• Monitor food quality, presentation, and portion control to maintain Fortnum & Mason standards
• Maintain accurate food safety records, audits, due diligence checks, and temperature monitoring
• Manage stock control, stocktakes, and inventory levels while minimising waste
• Support labour management and kitchen operational performance
• Collaborate closely with front-of-house teams to ensure seamless service delivery
• Communicate menu changes, product knowledge, and operational updates effectively
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, HACCP, health & safety, and company policies
• Deliver coaching, performance feedback, and development opportunities to kitchen team members

You are an experienced and passionate kitchen leader who thrives in a busy hospitality environment. You are committed to delivering exceptional food quality, developing people, and maintaining high operational standards while supporting a positive and productive kitchen cultureYou'll bring:Proven experience as a Senior Sous Chef within a high-volume hospitality, restaurant, hotel, airport, or production kitchen environmentStrong leadership experience with a track record of managing and developing kitchen teamsExcellent organisational, communication, and time management skillsA strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, and health & safety requirementsExperience managing stock, labour, and kitchen operational performanceThe ability to perform under pressure while maintaining attention to detailA passion for food, quality, and delivering exceptional guest experiencesA positive attitude and commitment to coaching and developing othersA stable employment history demonstrating commitment and career progression

Why Work for Us?

• Competitive salary plus paid overtime
• Discretionary annual bonus (up to 5% of salary)
• Up to 40% store and restaurant discounts
• Free meal whilst on shift28 days holiday, plus your birthday off and up to 5 wellbeing days
• Matched pension schemeCareer development and progression opportunitiesOpportunity to work within a flagship airport hospitality operation