Sous Chef

Perfect Recruitment; North East; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus incentives

Discounts

Training & development

Progression opportunities

Job summary

Perfect Recruitment is recruiting for a Sous Chef to join a well-established countryside hotel in the Durham area. The role demands leadership in a high-volume kitchen serving restaurant, hotel dining, functions and banqueting, with a focus on consistency and efficiency during peak service.

You’ll work closely with the Executive Chef, coordinating the team to ensure food is delivered to a high standard across all outlets, including large-scale events.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef in a high-volume operation.
• Experience in hotel/restaurant/events or banqueting environments.
• Confident leading a kitchen team during busy services.
• Strong understanding of food safety, allergens and kitchen compliance.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef with the smooth running of a high-volume kitchen.
• Lead the team during busy restaurant, function and event services.
• Manage multiple sections and priorities during peak periods.
• Maintain consistency across fresh and pre-prepared menu items.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety & allergens

Organisation

Job description

Sous Chef - High Volume Countryside Hotel

Newton Aycliffe, Durham

£35,000 per annum

Full-time

Perfect Recruitment are working with a well-established countryside hotel in the Durham area, currently looking for a strong and experienced Sous Chef to join their busy kitchen team.

This is a high-volume operation, covering a combination of restaurant service, hotel dining, functions, events and banqueting. The kitchen operates across both freshly prepared dishes and pre-prepared menu elements, with a strong focus on consistency, efficiency and maintaining standards during busy services.

The role would suit a Sous Chef who is comfortable working at pace, leading from the front and managing the demands of a varied hotel operation.

The Role

Working closely with the Executive Chef, you'll play a key role in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, helping to coordinate the team and ensure food is delivered consistently across all areas of the business.

You'll be involved in:

• Supporting the Executive Chef with the smooth running of a high-volume kitchen
• Leading the team during busy restaurant, function and event services
• Managing multiple sections and priorities during peak periods
• Maintaining consistency across both fresh and pre-prepared menu items
• Preparing and delivering food to a consistently high standard and volume
• Supporting functions, weddings, events and larger-scale banqueting
• Training, supporting and developing junior members of the kitchen team
• Maintaining food safety, allergen and hygiene standards
• Helping to drive efficiency, organisation and consistency throughout the kitchen

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef in a high-volume operation
• Experience within a hotel, restaurant, events or banqueting environment
• Comfortable working across restaurant and large-scale function service
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple demands
• Confident leading a kitchen team during busy services
• A hands-on approach with a strong work ethic
• Good understanding of food safety, allergens and kitchen compliance
• Someone who understands the importance of consistency, portion control and efficient service
• A natural leader who enjoys supporting and developing other chefs
• A positive, calm approach when working under pressure

What's on Offer

• £35,000 salary
• Bonus and incentive schemes
• Company discounts across hotels, food, drink and leisure
• Ongoing training and development
• Genuine progression opportunities
• The opportunity to work closely with a new Executive Chef
• A key role in developing and strengthening a long-term kitchen team

Important Information

• No live-in accommodation available
• Rural location - own transport or a reliable means of getting to work is essential

This is a great opportunity for a Sous Chef who enjoys a busy, varied environment and wants to be part of a kitchen where consistency, teamwork and high-volume service are central to the operation.