Sous Chef

Exclusive Hotels and Venues; Horsham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Service charge

Stays at other hotels

50% discount on F&B dining

Free meals on duty

Gym & parking

Employee assistance programme

Hospitality essentials discounts

Internal movement opportunities

Job summary

South Lodge, part of the Exclusive Collection, invites an experienced Sous Chef to join Camellia, our 3 AA Rosette restaurant, and lead a high-end kitchen in a luxury setting. You will mentor junior staff, drive menu development and ensure exceptional execution, quality, and safety across services.

This role offers competitive pay with service charge, access to staff dining and wellbeing resources, and opportunities for growth within the Exclusive Collection.

Qualifications

• Experience as Sous Chef or Junior Sous Chef in high-end restaurant or rosette-standard hotel.
• Proven leadership and ability to run a busy kitchen service.
• Strong culinary repertoire with creative, quality-focused approach.
• Solid understanding of food safety, hygiene and allergens.

Responsibilities

• Support Head Chef in leading day-to-day operation and set service standards.
• Lead and coordinate brigade during service for consistency.
• Run kitchen in absence of senior leadership.
• Coach and develop Chef de Parties and junior chefs.
• Contribute to menu development and continuous refinement of dishes.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and detail.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary skills

Menu development

Food safety

Team mentoring

Job description

Job Introduction

Sous Chef - Camellia

Create exceptional dining experiences at South Lodge

At South Lodge, part of the Exclusive Collection, luxury, creativity and exceptional hospitality come together in one of the UK's most celebrated country house hotels. Home to three distinctive restaurants - The Pass, our Michelin-starred dining experience, Camellia, our 3 AA Rosette modern British restaurant, and Botanica, our innovative dairy-free, zero-waste restaurant serving vibrant Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, alongside our award-winning spa and the tranquil lakeside lodges known as The Reeds, South Lodge offers a unique retreat where nature, luxury and wellbeing exist in perfect harmony. Together, these experiences create a destination defined by elegance, creativity and exceptional attention to detail.

At South Lodge, we know that exceptional experiences start with exceptional people. That's why we invest in our teams and reward passion, commitment and ambition. As our Sous Chef, you'll enjoy:

• Competitive pay, plus service charge
• Great rates for stays across all our hotels and 50% discount on Food & Beverage dining
• Free meals while on duty
• Free access to the on-site gym and parking
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing resources
• Exclusive discounts and perks through Hospitality Essentials
• Opportunities for growth, learning and internal movement within the Exclusive Collection

Key Responsibilities

As Sous Chef, you will be a leader, mentor and creative influence within the kitchen. Your ideas will be valued, your development supported and your contribution recognised. Our Sous Chef will:

• Support the Head Chef in leading the day-to-day operation, driving standards, developing talent and ensuring every service reflects the exceptional reputation of Camellia.
• Lead and coordinate the brigade during service, ensuring exceptional execution and consistency.
• Take responsibility for running the kitchen in the absence of senior leadership.
• Inspire, coach and develop Chef de Parties, Demi Chefs and Commis Chefs.
• Contribute to menu development, innovation and continuous refinement of dishes.
• Maintain the highest standards of food quality, presentation and attention to detail.
• Ensure excellent food safety, hygiene and allergen compliance at all times.
• Manage ordering, stock control, supplier relationships and waste reduction.
• Drive a positive, collaborative and high-performance kitchen culture.

About You

You'll be a passionate and ambitious Sous Chef with a genuine love for exceptional food and guest experiences. You'll bring:

• Experience as a Sous Chef or accomplished Junior Sous Chef within a high-end restaurant, luxury hotel or rosette-standard environment.
• Strong leadership skills and confidence running a busy kitchen service.
• Outstanding culinary ability with a creative and innovative mindset.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• A solid understanding of food safety, compliance and kitchen best practice.
• The ability to remain calm, focused and results-oriented under pressure.
• A commitment to mentoring others and developing future culinary talent.
• An unwavering passion for quality, consistency and continuous improvement.

Why Exclusive Collection?

We are a certified B Corp, committed to sustainability and responsible business practices. At Exclusive Collection, we champion wellbeing, progression and a culture where people who share our values can thrive.

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.

If you are ready to take the next step in your culinary career and help shape exceptional dining experiences at one of the South East's most celebrated luxury hospitality destinations, we'd love to hear from you!

INDMP