Sous Chef

First Contact Chefs; East Grinstead; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned hotel in East Grinstead is looking for an exceptional Sous Chef to join their kitchen team. You will assist the Head Chef in ensuring the highest food quality and service standards while enjoying a 4-day workweek. Ideal candidates have relevant qualifications and previous experience in a similar environment. The position offers various benefits including complimentary nights and discounts at selected restaurants.

Benefits

Complimentary nights with breakfast

50% F&B discount at selected restaurants

Generous Employee Introductory Scheme

Team awards and incentives

Contributory pension scheme

Life assurance cover

Complimentary uniform laundering

Complimentary meals on duty

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role and environment.
• Hands-on team player with excellent communication skills.
• Experience with ordering systems and cost control processes.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in running the kitchen operations.
• Ensure food quality and cleanliness standards are met.
• Manage kitchen staff rotas in accordance with business levels.

Skills

Team player

Cost control

Training and coaching

Education

City & Guild 7061/7062 or NVQ Level 2/3

Job description

This award-winning, stunning hotel is seeking an exceptional and accomplished Sous Chef to join and help lead the kitchen team.

As Sous Chef, you will assist the Head Chef in running the kitchen, enabling the team to achieve the highest levels of food quality, standards, and service at all times — and enjoy a 4-day workweek!

Main Duties of this Sous Chef role include:

1. Act as a deputy with all responsibilities as required
2. Maintain a clean, tidy, and organized environment at all times
3. Plan the daily operations of all kitchen sections to meet service standards
4. Control, with the aid of the Head Chef, all operating costs within set budgets and order appropriate levels of food
5. Assist with and produce accurate stock takes
6. Conduct quality checks on stock, produce, and dishes; provide training and product knowledge to keep the team focused and evolving as chefs
7. Respond flexibly to business and client needs, offering full guidance and support in difficult situations
8. Manage rotas according to business levels
9. Ensure daily food preparation meets recipe and specification standards in size, quantity, and quality
10. Attend relevant meetings and understand overall hotel operations

Requirements for this Sous Chef position:

• Previous experience in a similar role and environment
• Relevant qualifications such as City & Guild 7061/7062 or NVQ Level 2/3
• Experience with ordering systems and cost control processes
• Hands-on team player
• Experience in training and coaching team members

Benefits include:

• Complimentary nights with breakfast
• 50% F&B discount at selected restaurants in the high-profile Group worldwide
• Generous Employee Introductory Scheme
• Team awards and incentives
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance cover
• Complimentary uniform laundering
• Complimentary meals on duty

Application process:

To apply, please send your most recent CV to [e-mail]. Feel free to contact us for further information about this role. Visit firstcontactchefs.com for other career opportunities.

This is a permanent position. Candidates must have a stable CV with excellent references, experience with fresh produce, NVQ Level 1 and 2 or equivalent, and a hygiene certificate. Applicants must be working or residing in the UK and able to prove right to work, including UK/EU citizenship, ILR/PR status, or valid work permit with at least 2 years remaining.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those matching the criteria will be contacted within 72 hours. Applications outside these criteria will not be acknowledged.

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