Sous Chef — Lead Kitchen, High-Tempo Service

Penningtons - Restaurant; Clewer Village; On-site; GBP 31,500 - 38,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free hotel breaks

Discounted stays

Wellbeing benefits

Salary sacrifice

Maternity/Paternity leave

Training & development

Company events

On-site parking

Free meals on duty

Uniforms provided

Job summary

Castle Hotel Windsor is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in delivering exceptional food quality and maintaining the highest kitchen standards. This role leads service, develops the brigade, and ensures consistency, efficiency and compliance across all kitchen areas.

You will join a passionate team with opportunities for growth within the Sutton Hotel Collection, with a salary of £35,000 plus TRONC and superb benefits; start date July 2026.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Junior Sous Chef, Sous Chef, or an experienced Senior Chef de Partie ready to take the next step in a high‑quality, fast‑paced kitchen.
• Excellent knowledge of food hygiene, HACCP, kitchen safety, stock control, and cost management.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team during busy service periods.
• Strong organisational, communication, and time‑management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• A passion for producing consistently high‑quality food and maintaining excellent presentation standards.
• The ability to remain calm, decisive, and solution‑focused under pressure.
• Experience supporting ordering, stock management, and minimising waste to achieve financial targets.
• A collaborative leadership style with a commitment to coaching and developing junior chefs.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Oversee day‑to‑day kitchen operations and service, under the Head and Senior Sous Chef.
• Lead and develop the brigade, ensuring high quality food and presentation.
• Maintain HACCP, hygiene, safety, stock control and cost management.
• Coach junior chefs, drive teamwork, and manage busy service periods.
• Assist with ordering, stock management, and minimizing waste to hit targets.
• Stay calm, decisive and solution‑focused under pressure.

Education

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Castle Hotel Windsor is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in delivering exceptional food quality and maintaining the highest kitchen standards. This role leads service, develops the brigade, and ensures consistency, efficiency and compliance across all kitchen areas.

You will join a passionate team with opportunities for growth within the Sutton Hotel Collection, with a salary of £35,000 plus TRONC and superb benefits; start date July 2026.