Senior Sous Chef - Mediterranean Restaurant

Harri; Burton upon Trent; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Free Parking

Free meals for staff

Job summary

Hiddenwell in Staffordshire is seeking an experienced Senior Sous Chef to join the opening brigade of a new 60-cover Mediterranean restaurant at Hoar Cross Hall. You will work closely with the Head Chef to set standards and kitchen operations, shaping the menu and service from launch.

You’ll lead the brigade, ensure top food quality, safety, and consistency, and help train the team for a successful opening. Strong leadership is essential for busy services.

Qualifications

• Must have previous experience as a Senior Sous Chef or Sous Chef within a quality-led kitchen.
• Passion for high-quality food and hospitality.
• Excellent leadership skills with ability to motivate and develop a brigade.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen management.

Responsibilities

• Support opening and development of the restaurant.
• Develop menus, dishes and seasonal specials.
• Lead the kitchen brigade during preparation and service.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food quality and presentation.

Skills

Senior Sous Chef experience

Leadership

Food safety & HACCP

Attention to detail

Job description

Senior Sous Chef – New Mediterranean Restaurant

Location: Hoar Cross Hall, Staffordshire

Annual salary: £40,000 per annum

We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Senior Sous Chef to join the opening brigade of our brand-new 60-cover Mediterranean restaurant at Hiddenwell

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new restaurant from the very beginning, working closely with our Head Chef and Executive Chef to help establish the food, standards, culture and kitchen operation

Our ambition is to achieve and consistently maintain a minimum Two AA Rosette standard, delivering beautifully executed Mediterranean food that celebrates seasonality, flavour, simplicity and qualityingredients

The Role

As Senior Sous Chef, you’ll be the Head Chef’s key operational support and a senior, hands‑on leader within the kitchen

You’ll help lead the brigade through preparation and service, maintain exceptional food and presentation standards, develop the team and ensure the kitchen operates safely, efficiently and commercially

You’ll also play an important part in the restaurant’s opening – from menu tastings and dish trials to developing kitchen systems, training the brigade and getting everything ready for launch

In the Head Chef’s absence, you’ll take responsibility for the kitchen operation, leading the brigade confidently and ensuring our culinary, operational, food safety and service standards are maintained

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting the Head Chef and Executive Chef with the successful opening and development of the restaurant
• Helping develop menus, dishes, recipes and seasonal specials
• Leading the kitchen brigade during preparation and busy services
• Supporting the Head Chef on the pass and taking full responsibility when required
• Ensuring exceptional standards of food quality, presentation, seasoning and consistency
• Helping us achieve and maintain a minimum Two AA Rosette standard
• Leading, coaching and developing chefs across the brigade
• Supporting the induction, probation and development of new and junior team members
• Helping create a positive, professional and high‑performing kitchen culture
• Maintaining excellent food hygiene, HACCP and allergen standards
• Supporting ordering, stocktakes, portion control and agreed food GP targets
• Managing preparation levels and helping minimise food waste
• Working closely with the Restaurant Manager and front‑of‑house team to deliver a seamless guest experience
• Contributing ideas for seasonal menus, specials and continuous improvement
• Leading by example and maintaining high standards, even during the busiest services

About You

We’re looking for an experienced chef who combines excellent culinary skills with excellent leadership and the confidence to step up and lead the kitchen when required

• Must have previous experience as a Senior Sous Chef or Sous Chef within a quality‑led kitchen
• Must have a genuine passion for high‑quality food and hospitality
• Must have excellent leadership skills and the ability to motivate and develop a brigade
• Must have excellent knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen management
• Must have excellent organisation and attention to detail
• Must have the confidence to take responsibility for the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence
• Must have good commercial awareness, including stock management, portion control, GP and food waste
• Must have the ability to remain calm, organised and professional during busy services
• Must have a collaborative approach and the ability to build strong relationships with both kitchen and front‑of‑house teams

Experience of Mediterranean cuisine and/or Rosette-level kitchens would be particularly valuable, alongside a genuine desire to help develop an exciting new restaurant

Why Join Us?

This isn’t simply an opportunity to join an established kitchen. You’ll be there at the beginning
You’ll have the opportunity to help shape how the kitchen operates, influence menus and standards, develop the brigade and play a key role in establishing the reputation of an exciting new restaurant

At Hiddenwell, our values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Respect and Commitment guide how we work. We want to create a kitchen where ambition and exceptional standards go hand‑in‑hand with teamwork, development and respect

If you’re an experienced Sous Chef ready for greater responsibility, or an established Senior Sous Chef looking for an exciting new challenge, we’d love to hear from you

Additional Information

• Full‑time position – 45 hours per week
• Working 5/7 days per week including weekends and bank holidays
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship now or at any point in the future for this role.
• Salary: £40,000 per annum

Why Join Us

• Work in a picturesque, historic estate with a focus on luxury and high standards in hospitality
• Complimentary Spa Day on work anniversaries at any of our company spas
• Free meal provided daily through our staff canteen
• Complimentary use of leisure and spa facilities
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program
• 30% discount on overnight stays and spa days
• Discounts on food, drink and retail across our venues
• Pension scheme
• Free Parking
• Refer-a-Friend scheme
• Excellent Induction and training programme
• Perkbox Online benefits and discounts
• On-line Doctor support (appointments/prescriptions)
• A fun, supportive and inclusive work environment with loads of development opportunities

People say you can’t choose your family, well we choose you to be part of ours