Sous Chef

Wshgroup; Greater London; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Searcys in London is inviting a skilled Sous Chef to join a renowned team delivering exceptional hospitality and events in a distinguished setting. You will support the Head Chef, lead a dedicated kitchen brigade, and drive culinary excellence with a focus on quality, service, and compliance.

The role requires experience in high-volume events, fine-dining hospitality, and a strong track record in staff development and menu innovation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef in a high-volume, events environment.
• Strong background in both contemporary staff catering and fine-dining hospitality/events.
• Creative, trend-aware, and passionate about sustainability and seasonality.
• Strong supervisory skills with excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Commercially aware with experience assisting with food margins and cost controls.
• Level 2 or 3 Food Safety & HACCP (or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and implementation of creative, on-trend menus across staff dining and hospitality operations.
• Supervise, motivate, and develop a brigade of chefs and kitchen staff in the Head Chef's absence.
• Ensure exceptional food quality, presentation, and consistency at all times.
• Work closely with front-of-house and events teams to deliver seamless hospitality experiences.
• Support the monitoring of food costs and manage kitchen budgets to achieve financial targets.
• Uphold strict health & safety, food hygiene, and allergen compliance standards.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, training, and professional development.
• Support the planning and delivery of high-profile events and executive hospitality.

Skills

Sous Chef experience

Staff supervision

Budget & cost control

Creative/menu development

Food safety & HACCP

Education

Level 2/3 Food Safety & HACCP (or equivalent)

Job description

This is a unique opportunity to join a prestigious site, delivering exceptional hospitality and events in a truly distinguished setting.

• High-End Hospitality & Events: Creating bespoke, memorable menus for executive dining, private events, and VIP receptions.

Job Type: Full-time, Predominantly Monday to Friday, with an average of two evening events per week.

Salary: £40,000 plus overtime.

As Sous Chef, you will support the Head Chef in leading a dedicated kitchen team to deliver culinary excellence, drive innovation, and maintain the highest standards of food quality, service, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and implementation of creative, on-trend menus across staff dining and hospitality operations.
• Supervise, motivate, and develop a brigade of chefs and kitchen staff in the Head Chef's absence.
• Ensure exceptional food quality, presentation, and consistency at all times.
• Work closely with front-of-house and events teams to deliver seamless hospitality experiences.
• Support the monitoring of food costs and manage kitchen budgets to achieve financial targets.
• Uphold strict health & safety, food hygiene, and allergen compliance standards.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, training, and professional development.
• Support the planning and delivery of high-profile events and executive hospitality.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sous Che f in a high-volume, events environment
• Strong background in both contemporary staff catering and fine-dining hospitality/events
• Creative, trend-aware, and passionate about sustainability and seasonality
• Strong supervisory skills with excellent communication and organisational skills
• A previous experience in helping manage a large team will be essential
• Commercially aware with experience assisting with food margins and cost controls
• Level 2 or 3 Food Safety & HACCP (or equivalent)

We are the oldest caterer in the UK, having been founded in 1847, working with us will give you an opportunity to be part of some of London's most prestigious events, gaining insights and mentoring from skilled and experienced colleagues, as well as getting a chance to be part of a storied legacy in the hospitality industry.

A career at Searcys means you are part of something special, we are an employer with a rich history, and an established reputation which will provide you with an enormous sense of pride and belonging.

To find out more on the rich history of Searcys, please visit our website at www.searcys.co.uk