Sous Chef

Exclusive Hotels and Venues; Bagshot; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Service charge

Stay discounts across properties

Free meals on duty

On-site gym access

Employee assistance programme

Exclusive employee discounts

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Pennyhill Park and The Spa in Bagshot, Surrey, is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join a high-performing kitchen team in a luxury hospitality environment. You will support the leadership and day-to-day operations, delivering outstanding food and service standards in collaboration with the Head Chef.

You will lead in the absence of senior chefs, ensure high quality and consistency, and contribute to menu development while maintaining strict hygiene and cost controls.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef in a quality dining, hotel or luxury hospitality environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, guide and support a professional kitchen brigade.
• Excellent understanding of food quality, technique, presentation and consistency.
• Sound knowledge of kitchen financials including stock control, GP management and costings.
• High standards of food hygiene, health & safety and compliance awareness.
• Confident communicator able to work effectively with kitchen and wider operational teams.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the smooth and efficient running of the kitchen operation at all times.
• Lead service and kitchen operations in the absence of the Executive Chef or Head Chef.
• Maintain the highest standards of food quality, consistency and presentation.
• Support menu development, planning and innovation in line with current industry trends.
• Manage stock control, ordering and supplier coordination alongside the Head Chef.
• Oversee food cost control, GP targets and kitchen budgets within agreed levels.
• Monitor and control food wastage and shrinkage across the operation.
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety and allergen legislation.
• Support recruitment of kitchen team members in partnership with senior management and HR.
• Ensure new starters complete a structured induction during their first three months.
• Train, mentor and develop kitchen team members at all levels.
• Maintain clear communication within the kitchen and with other departments.
• Act as a role model for professional conduct, leadership and guest-focused service.
• Report operational, staffing or quality issues promptly to the Executive Chef or Head Chef.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary expertise

Food quality & presentation

Kitchen financials

Hygiene & safety

Communication

Organization under pressure

Guest experience focus

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Bagshot

Pennyhill Park and The Spa, Bagshot, Surrey

Departments

Job Introduction

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Sous Chef to join a high-performing kitchen team within a luxury hospitality environment. Known for delivering exceptional food and memorable guest experiences, we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency and service.

As Sous Chef, you will play a key role in supporting the leadership and day-to-day operation of the kitchen. This is a hands-on position that combines culinary excellence, team leadership and commercial awareness. You will work closely with the Head Chef to ensure the smooth running of the kitchen while consistently delivering outstanding food and service standards.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, plus service charge
• Great rates for stays across our properties and 50% discount on Food & Beverage dining
• Free meals while on duty
• Free access to on-site gym and parking (where available)
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing resources
• Exclusive discounts and perks through employee benefit platforms
• Opportunities for growth, learning and internal progression

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the smooth and efficient running of the kitchen operation at all times
• Lead service and kitchen operations in the absence of the Executive Chef or Head Chef
• Maintain the highest standards of food quality, consistency and presentation
• Support menu development, planning and innovation in line with current industry trends
• Manage stock control, ordering and supplier coordination alongside the Head Chef
• Oversee food cost control, GP targets and kitchen budgets within agreed levels
• Monitor and control food wastage and shrinkage across the operation
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety and allergen legislation
• Support recruitment of kitchen team members in partnership with senior management and HR
• Ensure new starters complete a structured induction during their first three months
• Train, mentor and develop kitchen team members at all levels
• Maintain clear communication within the kitchen and with other departments
• Act as a role model for professional conduct, leadership and guest-focused service
• Report operational, staffing or quality issues promptly to the Executive Chef or Head Chef

Person Specification

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef within a quality dining, hotel or luxury hospitality environment
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, guide and support a professional kitchen brigade
• Excellent understanding of food quality, technique, presentation and consistency
• Sound knowledge of kitchen financials including stock control, GP management and costings
• High standards of food hygiene, health & safety and compliance awareness
• Confident communicator able to work effectively with kitchen and wider operational teams
• Organised, resilient and calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Passionate about delivering exceptional food and guest experiences

We are committed to creating a workplace where our people can thrive. We value teamwork, professionalism, learning and development, and we believe in recognising and supporting talent at every stage of a career.

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all individuals with the right to work in the UK. If you require any adjustments during the application process, please let us know.