Sous Chef

Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland; Ballygally; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free staff meals

Employee discounts

29 days holiday + birthday

Job summary

Hastings Hotels is currently seeking a reliable and enthusiastic team member to join the Kitchen at Ballygally Castle. Reporting to the Head Chef, you will help manage kitchen operations, maintain Hastings’ high standards for food quality, and contribute to budget and stock control.

You will work around 45 hours per week across shifts, with weekends included. The role offers staff meals, discounts, generous holidays, and career progression opportunities.

Qualifications

• Good communication skills.
• Clean and tidy appearance.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Right to Work in the United Kingdom.
• NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking and Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Experience at a similar level in high-quality catering.

Responsibilities

• Help manage Kitchen operations to Hastings standards.
• Oversee planning, preparation, cooking and presentation of food.
• Control culinary budget and kitchen expenditure.
• Ensure stock management and ordering procedures.
• Maintain 5* hygiene standards and safety in kitchen.
• Lead training and development for kitchen staff.
• Collaborate with other departments for a harmonious environment.
• Conduct regular team meetings.

Skills

Hospitality

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Food Prep

Job description

Job Description

Location: Coast Road

Hastings Hotels is a family owned, luxury hotel group based in Northern Ireland.

We value our people. It's our people who provide the excellent experience we offer to all our guests. When we work together we can do amazing things.

We are seeking a reliable and enthusiastic person to become part of our talented Kitchen team at the exclusive Ballygally Castle

Under the leadership of our Inspiring Head Chef, Kevin Osborne, you will have the opportunity to work with our friendly team, develop your skills and enjoy the variety offered by a role in hospitality.

The successful candidate can expect to work 45 hours per week (excluding breaks), five shifts out seven including weekends.

Hours vary, but typical shift patterns include, 11am to 11pm, 2pm to 10pm.

The rate of pay for this full‑time position is £33,910.00 per annum

We offer a range of benefits including free staff meals, employee discounts, 29 days holiday plus your birthday and opportunities for career progression and development.

About The Role

To assist with the management of the Kitchen to ensure the Hastings standards of preparation and presentation are maintained.

• Helping the Head Chef manage the smooth and efficient operation of the Kitchens, ensuring the Hotel’s reputation for food quality is always maintained.
• Ensuring the planning, preparation, cooking and presentation of food is to the standard required by the Hotel and its guests.
• Contributing to the development of the hotel’s business plan, projects and initiatives in order to develop the hotel’s business and market position.
• Helping the Head Chef manage the culinary budget and kitchen expenditure.
• Ensuring Company policies relating to stock management and stock ordering are implemented and monitored, taking appropriate action to resolve problems.
• Ensuring the hotel complies with all matters relating to food hygiene regulations, environmental health laws and all other relevant legislation.
• Ensuring the Hotel’s 5* hygiene score is maintained.
• Ensuring the security of the kitchen and storage areas is maintained at all times.
• Ensuring all kitchen employees receive appropriate training, coaching and development to meet the Hastings’ stantard
• Ensuring Hastings’ quality standards and procedures are fully understood, implemented and regularly reviewed, and that formal and informal feedback is delivered to ensure continual improvement. E
• Conducting team meetings on a regular basis to communicate standards required, targets and company information.
• Ensuring all kitchen areas, fixtures and equipment are properly maintained and presented to the Hastings’ standard.
• Working effectively with colleagues across departments to ensure a harmonious working environment where all employees are treated with respect and dignity.
• Carrying out any other duties as required.

About You

We would love you to have similar previous experience gained within a quality catering establishment

Skills Needed

Hospitality

About The Company

For more than 60 years, we have built a reputation for placing quality at the heart of everything we do. Our properties boast exceptional interior design and are meticulously maintained, while we source local food and drink to provide our guests with an unparalleled dining experience. At Hastings Hotels, we understand that our guests remember the small details, such an open fire in the front hall, supremely comfortable beds, and fabulous breakfast. That’s why we place a great emphasis on recruitment, induction, and integrating our staff into their department, hotel, and the Group. We believe that the right behaviours and attitudes are more critical than every last qualification, and we can help you attain that. We’re committed to working with you to help develop your career with us, and we promise to do everything we can to support you on that journey.

Company Culture

At Hastings Hotels, we know that great hospitality starts with great people. We have been proud to operate as a business grounded in care, respect, and opportunity, where every team member is valued, supported, and celebrated for who they are and what they contribute. To support your employee journey and your skills development, we provide comprehensive on-the-job training and personalised career development programs, ensuring a fulfilling career with us. This commitment to diversity and inclusion has been recognised by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI), and we are proud to be recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s top employers. From physical and mental wellbeing to learning, inclusion, and personal growth, our people are at the heart of everything we do.

Required Criteria

• Good communication skills
• A clean and tidy appearance
• Must have excellent attention to detail
• Right to Work in the United Kingdom
• Must have previous experience at a similar level gained within a high quality catering operation
• Must have NVQ level 2 or the equivalent in Food Preparation and Cooking and hold a recognised current Food Hygiene Certificate

Desired Criteria

• Educated to GCSE Standard or the equivalent including English and Maths
• Basic Food Hygiene certificate
• Experience as a Executive Sous Chef

Closing Date

Monday 21st September, 2026

Contract Type

fulltime

Salary

£33,910.00 Yearly