Senior Sous Chef - Lead Kitchen & Talent Development

Dakota Hotels; Manchester; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts on stays & dining

Referral bonuses

Extra holiday on first anniversary

Meals on duty

Uniforms supplied

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Dakota Hotels is seeking a creative Senior Sous Chef to lead the Kitchen Team at Dakota Manchester Airport. This role focuses on delivering high-calibre dishes across all services and driving kitchen performance with strategic rotas and menu costing.

The successful candidate will have at least 5 years of cooking experience, 3 years in a sous role, strong leadership, and HACCP knowledge. Excellent communication and a team-first attitude are essential, with training opportunities and a supportive

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years professional cooking experience in a high-calibre restaurant.
• Minimum of 3 years experience as Junior Sous or above.
• Demonstrate effective leadership and communication skills in a positive, inclusive environment.
• Trained in food hygiene to level 2+ with HACCP and allergens; full training provided.
• Demonstrate a passion for quality food and preparation; be hardworking and a team-player.
• Enthusiastic about training junior chefs and apprentices.
• Flexible with shifts and able to meet business needs.
• Demonstrate brand research and genuine desire to join the team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the running of the Kitchen, including a smooth and busy service.
• Carry out managerial duties including interviews, trial shifts, appraisals and performance management.
• Support in driving kitchen commercial performance by writing rotas, managing holidays and costing menus.
• Prepare and cook dishes per Head Chef specifications across all menus (à la carte, room service, breakfast, bar, events).
• Communicate effectively with kitchen and front-of-house teams.
• Train junior chefs and apprentices in a collaborative environment of continuous improvement.
• Adhere to Health & Safety and Food Hygiene; oversee HACCP and due diligence documentation.
• Continuously learn and improve as a professional Chef.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Food hygiene level 2

HACCP

Allergens awareness

Flexibility

Training juniors

Job description

Dakota Hotels is seeking a creative Senior Sous Chef to lead the Kitchen Team at Dakota Manchester Airport. This role focuses on delivering high-calibre dishes across all services and driving kitchen performance with strategic rotas and menu costing.

The successful candidate will have at least 5 years of cooking experience, 3 years in a sous role, strong leadership, and HACCP knowledge. Excellent communication and a team-first attitude are essential, with training opportunities and a supportive