Sous Chef - Michelin Star Restaurant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay + service charge

Great rates for stays across Exclusive

50% discount on Food & Beverage dining

Job summary

The Pass at South Lodge, part of Exclusive Collection, is seeking a talented Sous Chef to join a Michelin-starred dining theatre set in a luxury country-house hotel near Horsham. You will work under the Head Chef, lead a brigade, mentor juniors and contribute to seasonal tasting menus.

This role combines creative cuisine with rigorous standards, allergen control and consistent service across a high-end dining program.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Sous Chef or accomplished Junior Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie within a high-end restaurant, hotel or Michelin-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.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in leading the day-to-day operation, driving standards, developing talent and ensuring every service reflects the exceptional reputation of The Pass.
• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Culinary creativity

Communication

Job description

Job Introduction

Sous Chef at The Pass

Join the Team Behind One of the UK's Most Exciting Dining Experiences

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 the Michelin-starred restaurant The Pass, the award-winning Spa at South Lodge and the tranquil lakeside lodges known as The Reeds, South Lodge offers a serene retreat where nature, luxury, and wellbeing meet. Together, they create an environment that embodies elegance, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail.

The Pass is far more than a restaurant. It is an immersive culinary theatre where guests are seated around an intimate open kitchen, placing them at the heart of the action as our chefs create an extraordinary tasting menu experience. Awarded 1 Michelin Star and 4 AA Rosettes, The Pass is renowned for its innovation, precision and unforgettable guest journey.

This is your opportunity to become part of a talented brigade that constantly pushes boundaries, celebrates seasonality and champions the very best British ingredients. Working alongside some of the industry's most passionate professionals, you'll play a key role in delivering dishes that surprise, delight and inspire.

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. At South Lodge, we believe in rewarding our team for their passion and dedication. 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 The Pass.
• 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.

Person Specification

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 or Senior Chef de Partie within a high-end restaurant, hotel or Michelin-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 unforgettable dining experiences at one of the UK's most acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants, we'd love to hear from you!

INDHP