Senior Sous Chef — Lead a Calm, High-Standard Kitchen

The Queen at Chester Hotel; Chester; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on duty

Free parking

Employee discounts

Job summary

The Queen at Chester Hotel in Chester is seeking a Senior Sous Chef to join our culinary team and help deliver high‑quality food across the hotel. Working with the Head Chef, you’ll lead the kitchen, uphold standards, and ensure smooth operations, especially in the Head Chef’s absence.

You will oversee food preparation, support menu delivery, maintain food safety and hygiene, and guide the kitchen team through service while staying calm under pressure.

Qualifications

• Ideal candidate has experience as a Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie
• Enjoys supporting and leading a team in a busy kitchen environment
• Takes pride in food quality, consistency and presentation
• Works calmly and confidently under pressure
• Has a solid understanding of food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards
• Leads by example and supports the development of others
• Is organised, reliable and commercially aware

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in the day‑to‑day management of the kitchen operation
• Take responsibility for the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef
• Oversee food preparation to ensure dishes are cooked and presented to a consistently high standard
• Implement and follow standard recipes while maintaining food cost control
• Lead, guide and support the kitchen team during service
• Ensure all food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards are followed at all times
• Maintain a calm, organised and professional kitchen environment
• Encourage teamwork, high standards and continuous improvement
• Our enviable employee discounts on bedroom rates across our Best Western hotel portfolio.
• Shopping discounts - ranging from groceries, fashion, travel, utilities, days out, and even holidays.
• Eye care
• Free legal & money advice
• Counseling sessions
• Cycle to work scheme
• Wellbeing tips and support fitness videos
• Recipe ideas
• Advice on keeping active and healthy living
• Wellbeing podcasts and tv
• Breathing exercises
• 24/7 advice and support lineTeam reward & recognition
• Free meals on duty
• Free parking

Skills

Team leadership

Calm under pressure

Food safety standards

Quality & presentation

Hygiene & safety

Job description

The Queen at Chester Hotel in Chester is seeking a Senior Sous Chef to join our culinary team and help deliver high‑quality food across the hotel. Working with the Head Chef, you’ll lead the kitchen, uphold standards, and ensure smooth operations, especially in the Head Chef’s absence.

You will oversee food preparation, support menu delivery, maintain food safety and hygiene, and guide the kitchen team through service while staying calm under pressure.