Sous Chef

Houston & Hawkes; City Of London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday off every year

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

Free meals on duty

Contributory pension

Job summary

Houston & Hawkes in Central London is seeking a Senior Sous Chef to join a premium kitchen team delivering fine dining and high-level hospitality. You will work closely with the Head Chef, leading a brigade to ensure every plate meets exacting standards in a premium environment.

The role requires strong leadership, exceptional cooking skills, and a passion for presentation. This position offers a Monday–Friday pattern and is based in Central London.

Qualifications

• Senior Sous Chef experience in a premium culinary environment.
• Strong knowledge of fine dining, canapés and premium hospitality.
• Excellent leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Strong classical and modern cooking techniques.
• Attention to detail and presentation.
• Commercial awareness with food cost control.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in leading day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Deliver exceptional fine dining, canapés, private dining and premium hospitality.
• Create beautifully presented, seasonal dishes using high-quality ingredients.
• Lead the kitchen confidently in the Head Chef's absence.
• Inspire, coach and develop chefs across the brigade.
• Maintain exceptional consistency, precision and presentation across every service.
• Support menu development and bring creativity to the food offer.
• Manage ordering, stock control, food costs and kitchen administration.
• Work with front-of-house to deliver seamless events and dining experiences.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, cleanliness and compliance.

Skills

Senior Sous Chef

Fine dining

Leadership

Food safety

Menu development

Stock management

Plating and presentation

Job description

SENIOR SOUS CHEF

Houston & Hawkes | Central London | £42,000 – £45,000 per annum | Monday to Friday

An exceptional opportunity for an accomplished Senior Sous Chef to join a refined, high-performing kitchen delivering food at the very highest level.

Houston & Hawkes is looking for a talented Senior Sous Chef to join one of our most prestigious Central London operations. This is a premium culinary environment where fine dining, elegant canapés, private dining and exceptional hospitality are at the heart of the food offer.

We're looking for a chef with strong technical ability, creativity and an exceptional eye for detail. A Michelin-starred restaurant, five-star hotel, high-end restaurant or leading contract catering background would be highly regarded. You'll work closely with the Head Chef, helping to lead a talented brigade and ensuring every plate reflects the standards expected within a truly premium environment.

THE ROLE

• Support the Head Chef in leading the day-to-day kitchen operation
• Deliver exceptional fine dining, canapés, private dining and premium hospitality
• Create beautifully presented, seasonal dishes using high-quality ingredients
• Lead the kitchen confidently in the Head Chef's absence
• Inspire, coach and develop chefs across the brigade
• Maintain exceptional consistency, precision and presentation across every service
• Support menu development and bring creativity and fresh ideas to the food offer
• Manage ordering, stock control, food costs and kitchen administration
• Work closely with the front-of-house team to deliver seamless events and dining experiences
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, cleanliness and compliance

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Strong Senior Sous Chef experience within a premium culinary environment
• A Michelin-starred, fine dining, five-star hotel or high-end contract catering background would be highly desirable
• Excellent knowledge of fine dining, canapés and premium hospitality
• Strong classical and modern cooking techniques
• Exceptional attention to detail and a passion for presentation
• Confident leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop a talented team
• Commercial awareness and experience supporting food cost and stock management
• A calm, organised and professional approach in a demanding kitchen

WHY JOIN HOUSTON & HAWKES?

• £42,000 – £45,000 per annum depending on experience
• Monday to Friday working pattern
• Birthday off every year
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Free meals on duty
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• CODE Hospitality membership
• Exclusive masterclasses with award-winning chef Sally Abé
• Foodie Socials bringing our teams together to discover new food, drink and hospitality ideas
• Ongoing learning, development and genuine career progression
• Summer Awards Party celebrating our people and achievements
• An unforgettable Christmas Party at one of London's outstanding venues

ABOUT HOUSTON & HAWKES

Houston & Hawkes is an award-winning independent caterer creating exceptional food and hospitality experiences across some of London's most prestigious workplaces.

As a Certified B Corp and recipient of the King's Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2026, we believe exceptional hospitality starts with exceptional people. We invest in our teams, celebrate success and give talented chefs the opportunity to develop their craft and build careers they can be genuinely proud of.