Sous Chef: Craft Fine Dining & Lead a Busy Kitchen

St Michael's Manor Hotel; St Albans; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

St Michael's Manor Hotel in St Albans seeks a dedicated Sous Chef to assist the Head Chef in planning and preparing high-quality dishes for the restaurant, events, and private functions.

You will lead kitchen staff during service, ensure consistent presentation and portions, maintain food safety and hygiene, help with menu development, manage stock and costs, and mentor team members in a supportive, standards-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Strong culinary skills with modern and classic techniques.
• Experience in chef de partie or sous chef roles in busy kitchens.
• Knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and hygiene standards.
• Ability to lead and train a diverse kitchen team.
• Excellent organization, time management, and ability to work under pressure.
• Flexible shifts including evenings, weekends, holidays.
• Relevant culinary qualification or apprenticeship.
• Passion for hospitality and attention to guest dining.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food preparation and presentation.
• Coordinate kitchen staff during service.
• Ensure food safety and hygiene compliance.
• Assist with menu development and costing.
• Manage stock and ordering ingredients.
• Mentor and train kitchen team.

Skills

Culinary skills

Kitchen leadership

Food safety HACCP

Time management

Flexibility

Training staff

Education

Culinary qualification or apprenticeship

Job description

St Michael's Manor Hotel in St Albans seeks a dedicated Sous Chef to assist the Head Chef in planning and preparing high-quality dishes for the restaurant, events, and private functions.

You will lead kitchen staff during service, ensure consistent presentation and portions, maintain food safety and hygiene, help with menu development, manage stock and costs, and mentor team members in a supportive, standards-driven environment.