Sous Chef

Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa

Accrington

On-site

GBP 29,000 - 36,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary meals on duty

Discounted hotel stays for you and the

Family & friends discount

Career progression opportunities

Ongoing training and development

Employee Assistance Programme

Company pension

28 days' annual leave

Uniform provided

Employee discounts across hotels

Supportive and collaborative env

Job summary

Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa is hiring a Sous Chef to join its kitchen team in Lancashire. You will be the second-in-command, working closely with the Head Chef to oversee daily operations and maintain exceptional food quality, hygiene and service across all dining outlets.

The role requires leadership, strong organisational skills and a passion for fresh, locally sourced ingredients. A hotel environment background is preferred and flexibility for shifts is expected.

Qualifications

Experience leading a kitchen team in a hotel or busy venue.
Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and allergen handling.
Proven ability to manage stock, cost controls and GP targets.
Excellent communication and teamwork to support Front of House.

Responsibilities

Support the Head Chef with day-to-day kitchen operations.
Lead kitchen activities in the Head Chef's absence.
Prepare and present high-quality dishes aligned with brand standards.
Coach and develop junior chefs and kitchen staff.
Ensure consistent portioning, presentation and wastage control.
Assist with stock ordering, rotation and inventory management.
Support menu development using seasonal, local ingredients.
Maintain high hygiene standards and accurate food safety records.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Food safety (HACCP)

Organisational skills

Pressure management

Communication skills

Mentoring juniors

Education

NVQ Level 2/3 in Professional Cookery

Job description

Sous Chef

Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa

Location: Blackburn, Lancashire

Job Type: Full-Time | Permanent

Join Our Kitchen Team

Nestled in the heart of Lancashire, Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa is a beautiful 700-year-old country manor offering exceptional hospitality, award-winning dining, weddings, conferences, and memorable guest experiences. Combining historic charm with modern hospitality, we pride ourselves on delivering outstanding food and service to every guest who walks through our doors.

We are looking for an experienced, passionate and ambitious Sous Chef to join our talented kitchen team. This is an exciting opportunity for a chef who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys mentoring others, and is ready to take the next step in their culinary career.

If you're passionate about fresh food, quality ingredients and creating exceptional dining experiences, we'd love to hear from you.

The Role

As Sous Chef, you will be the second-in-command of the kitchen, working closely with the Head Chef to oversee the daily operation of our busy kitchen.

You will play a key leadership role, ensuring consistently high food standards across our restaurant, lounge, room service, afternoon teas, weddings, conferences and events. This is a hands‑on role where you'll lead from the front, inspire your team and maintain excellent standards of food quality, hygiene and kitchen efficiency.

When the Head Chef is absent, you will confidently take responsibility for the kitchen operation, ensuring smooth service and maintaining the highest culinary standards.

What You'll Be Doing

Support the Head Chef with the day‑to‑day management of the kitchen.
Lead kitchen operations in the Head Chef's absence.
Prepare and present high‑quality dishes in line with company standards and brand expectations.
Supervise, coach and develop junior chefs and kitchen assistants.
Ensure consistency in food preparation, presentation and portion control.
Support menu development using seasonal, fresh and locally sourced ingredients where possible.
Maintain excellent food hygiene, allergen management and HACCP standards.
Ensure compliance with Food Safety legislation and Health & Safety regulations.
Monitor food quality, wastage and kitchen efficiency.
Assist with stock ordering, stock rotation and inventory management.
Support the achievement of food GP targets and kitchen budgets.
Maintain accurate food safety records and temperature logs.
Work collaboratively with the Front of House team to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
Support weddings, conferences, banqueting and special events.
Always ensure kitchen cleanliness and organisation.
Assist with recruitment, onboarding and training of kitchen team members.
Promote a positive, respectful and collaborative working environment.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who enjoys leading people as much as creating exceptional food. You will be organised, resilient and passionate about hospitality, with the ability to remain calm under pressure while maintaining exceptional culinary standards.

Essential Skills & Experience

Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Junior Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie.
Experience working within hotels, restaurants or busy hospitality venues.
Strong knowledge of fresh food preparation and service.
Excellent leadership and team management skills.
Experience supervising and developing kitchen teams.
Sound understanding of food safety, HACCP and allergen legislation.
Strong organisational and time management skills.
Ability to thrive under pressure in a fast‑paced kitchen.
Flexible approach to working evenings, weekends and public holidays.
Excellent communication skills.
Right to work in the UK.

Desirable Skills

Previous experience within a hotel environment.
NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent).
Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
Experience with banqueting, weddings and conference catering.
Menu planning and seasonal menu development experience.
Stock control and food cost management experience.
Knowledge of kitchen labour scheduling.
Experience mentoring apprentices or junior chefs.
COSHH and Health & Safety knowledge.
Understanding of sustainability and food waste reduction initiatives.

What We Offer

At Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, we believe great hospitality starts with great people. We are committed to investing in your development and providing an environment where you can build a rewarding long‑term career.

Competitive salary