Sous Chef

Leonardo Hotel Management (UK) Limited; Southampton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Room discounts

Recognition scheme

Talent referrals

Wellbeing calendar

Training programs

Thank You Week

Job summary

Leonardo Hotels is seeking a dedicated Sous Chef to join its kitchen team. You will work closely with the Head Chef, supporting strategic kitchen initiatives, inspiring and motivating staff, and ensuring memorable guest experiences across our UK hotels.

You will lead by example, foster teamwork, share knowledge, and help develop junior chefs through our Senior Chef Programme and ongoing training. Join us to contribute to exceptional hospitality.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef and lead the kitchen team to ensure high-quality dishes and service.
• Supervise day-to-day kitchen operations and maintain standards across the kitchen.

Job description

Be Yourself – Be a Bold Team Player – Be Leonardo

Once you’re part of the team, you’re part of the Leonardo community of over 55 hotels across the UK & Ireland! The Sous Chef will support the strategic initiatives and objectives of the Kitchen department, as well as supervising day to day operations. All members of the department work together to create memorable moments for guests, in line with both company and hotel-specific service standards, and collaborate closely with other departments within the hotel. You will act as an ambassador for your own hotel and the wider Leonardo Hotels estate, demonstrating the company vision, mission and values. At all times, you will treat others around you with respect, dignity and fairness. As a Sous Chef, you’ll be the backbone of the team as you’ll be working with the Head Chef to inspire and motivate the team, ensuring that all guests have memorable experiences with us. Take a deep breath because you’ll be stepping into a busy role! You’ll be an inspirational leader within the kitchen and passionate about developing those around you, creating the kitchen you want to lead and working with the Head Chef to provide an amazing service to our guests.

If you’re our ideal Sous Chef, you will:

• Build working relationships with the Chefs and the team around you
• Believe in ‘sharing is caring’, and ensure knowledge and expertise are shared amongst team members
• ‘Be a show off’ and showcase your skills – we want to see what you can do!
• Promote fun and bridge the gaps – be the main connector for your team
• Be an Ambassador of our values for the wider team
• Aspire to grow with us – with our amazing Senior Chef Programme, you can take your skills and career to the next level

Some of the perks our Sous Chef could enjoy include:

• Special rates on Leonardo Hotel rooms across the UK & Europe
• Company-wide recognition scheme: you could earn vouchers to spend on a wide range of high street shops
• Talent referral scheme
• Thank You Week: from ice cream trucks to yoga classes and lots in between!
• Wellbeing Calendar
• Ongoing job-related training programmes with clear paths for progression

We’re committed to creating a workplace where every individual—regardless of background, identity, or lived experience—is welcomed, valued, and respected for who they are. Belonging means embracing our differences and ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered.

Why come join us as a Sous Chef? We look after our colleagues just as well as we look after our guests. Our regular Learning Bites, "Come Join Us Guest Care" training and Wellbeing webinars all help your progress with us. With support on tap, top-notch practical training and clear progression you’ll be on track for a brilliant future in Hospitality!

At Leonardo Hotels, our vision is very simple: to be the first choice for everyone who values genuine hospitality!

We are a Disability Confident Employer and a member of the Valuable 500. We partner with social enterprises to change attitudes towards disability, and provide opportunities ensuring everyone is able to fulfil their potential at work.