Sous Chef

The Waterhead Inn; Ambleside; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Colleague accommodation

Visa sponsorship

Job summary

The Waterhead Inn in Ambleside, part of The Inn Collection Group, is seeking a passionate Sous Chef to join our busy Lake District kitchen. You will work closely with the Head Chef to showcase fresh ingredients and uphold high standards.

You will lead a small kitchen team, contribute to menu development and costing, manage stock and orders, and ensure smooth daily operations. Colleague accommodation is included; visa sponsorship may be available for skilled workers.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and team coordination abilities.
• Experience in fast-paced kitchen environments.
• Ability to contribute to menu development and costing.

Responsibilities

• Lead a kitchen team and support Head Chef in daily operations.
• Develop and cost menus, ensuring consistent quality.
• Manage stock levels and order from suppliers.
• Ensure cleanliness and safety standards are met.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Team leadership

Menu costing

Stock control

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 of respect, customer focused, warmth, , and honesty, all with the goal of Making People Happy.

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.

With Waterhead Pier directly opposite and just a short stroll from the vibrant centre of Ambleside, The Waterhead Inn offers the perfect starting point for exploring the magnificent Lake District. Its prime location makes it an ideal base for outdoor adventures, scenic walks, and discovering the area’s natural beauty, while also providing easy access to the local shops, restaurants, and attractions.

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 comes with the added benefit of colleague accommodation.

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