Sous Chef

The Hogs Head Inn; Alnwick; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% off food at inns

1/3 off room bookings all year round

Stay £1 for January–March

Job summary

The Hog’s Head Inn in Alnwick, part of Inn Collection Group, is seeking a Sous Chef to be at the heart of our kitchen. You’ll work closely with the Head Chef to maintain high standards and bring fresh, quality ingredients to every dish.

You’ll lead a skilled team, contribute to menu development and costing, manage stock and supplier orders, and ensure spotless kitchen operations. This role suits someone who thrives under pressure and enjoys cross‑team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Sous Chef experience or proven senior kitchen background.
• Ability to contribute to menu development and costing.
• Strong stock control and team leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure dishes reflect high standards using fresh ingredients.
• Help maintain consistent excellence across kitchen operations.
• Lead and mentor a skilled kitchen team and contribute to menu costing.
• Manage stock and place orders with nominated suppliers.
• Oversee kitchen cleanliness and safety standards.
• Stand in for Head Chef when required and ensure smooth daily operations.
• Collaborate with front-of-house and management to optimise guest experience.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Menu development

Costing

Stock control

Team collaboration

Interpersonal skills

Calm under pressure

Job description

What makes the perfect pub? It’s great ales, delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and the warm welcome from a team that’s at the heart of everything we do.

The Inn Collection Group is a multi-award-winning pubs-with-rooms company, proudly located in some of the most outstanding destinations across the North of England and Wales. At ICG, we deliver exceptional hospitality by living and breathing our core values: warmth, customer-obsessed, accountable, delivering results, and Inn It Together. All with the goal of making people happy through heartfelt hospitality.

How we say thank you!

• Celebrate your birthday with an extra paid holiday.
• Build your future with support from our Lead-Inn development program.
• Take the time you need to rest and recharge; Paid Breaks are on us.
• Enjoy 50% off food at any of our Inns
• Relax with a stay at any of our Inns during January, February, and March for just £1.
• Take advantage of the chance to explore our beautiful locations, with 1/3 off room bookings all year round.
• Experience a spontaneous trip away with £50 on same day bookings
• It’s not just for you—your loved ones can enjoy 15% off bed and breakfast too!
• 24/7 confidential support is always there when you need it with our Employee Assistance Programme
• Tronc (…that’s tips to me and you)
• Contribute to a company that gives back through our Give‑inn back scheme
• Join an award-winning team recognised as the Best Pub Employer at the Publican Awards.

A silver award-winner in the North East England Tourism Awards, The Hog’s Head Inn in Alnwick takes its name from the tavern in the Harry Potter books and films. Located just a few minutes’ drive from Alnwick Castle, which featured as Hogwarts in the first two films, the inn is ideally positioned near The Alnwick Garden, Alnmouth, and the stunning Northumberland National Park, offering a wealth of attractions and natural beauty right on the doorstep.

You’ll Fit Right Inn

As Sous Chef, you’ll be at the heart of our kitchen, ensuring every dish showcases the best of fresh, quality ingredients and reflects our high standards. Working closely with the Head Chef, you’ll help maintain consistent excellence across all areas of the kitchen, bringing both skill and creativity to every aspect of the role.

From managing a talented team to contributing to menu development and costing, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the guest experience. You thrive in fast-paced environments, staying calm under pressure while meeting deadlines with efficiency. Your strong interpersonal skills enable you to build great relationships across the kitchen, front‑of‑house, and management teams, ensuring seamless collaboration.

Beyond cooking, your role will include key operational tasks such as stock control, ordering from nominated suppliers, and overseeing kitchen cleanliness. You’ll take charge in the Head Chef’s absence, confidently managing the team and ensuring smooth daily operations.

If you’re energised by a challenge, passionate about food, and take pride in delivering excellence, you’ll fit right inn...

This role gave Tele the opportunity to collaborate closely with a team. Watch Tele’s video to learn more about our Kitchen team member roles.

We welcome applications from Skilled Worker visa holders and can transfer Certificates of Sponsorship.