Sous Chef - Staffordshire

Hoar Cross Hall; Burntwood; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury spa and hotel destination in Staffordshire is seeking a passionate Sous Chef to join their culinary team. In this role, you will support daily kitchen operations, ensure high standards of food quality, and foster a positive working environment. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, a passion for creative cooking, and a commitment to food safety. This full-time position encourages professional development and offers a range of employee benefits, including discounts and flexible shifts.

Benefits

Competitive Rate of Pay

Complimentary use of leisure and spa facilities

Free meal per shift

Discount on overnight stays and spa days

30% discount on food and drink

Excellent induction and training programme

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Experience as a Sous Chef or strong CDP ready for the next step.
• Passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative menu development.
• Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a team.
• Solid understanding of food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Support and deputise for the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations.
• Maintain food quality and consistency across all dishes.
• Supervise and develop kitchen staff to ensure high performance.
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene and health regulations.
• Communicate effectively with the culinary team and handle guest feedback.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

Menu development

Food safety compliance

Team motivation

Attention to detail

Time management

Job description

• Sous Chef – Staffordshire
• Sous Chef – Hoar Cross Hall
• Location: Hoar Cross Hall, Staffordshire
• Contract: Full-Time
• Department: Kitchen
• Reporting to: Executive Chef & Head Chef

Hoar Cross Hall is one of the UK's premier Spa and Hotel destinations, home to award-winning experiences, exceptional dining, and a proud heritage of warm hospitality.

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Sous Chef to join our talented culinary team and help us deliver outstanding dining experiences for our guests.

If you are driven, creative, and thrive in a high-quality kitchen environment, this is an exciting opportunity to develop your career within Barons Eden.

About the Role

As Sous Chef at Hoar Cross Hall, you will take a leading role in supporting the daily operations of the kitchen.

Working closely with the Head Chef, you will help manage the team, maintain exceptional food standards, and ensure the smooth, efficient running of all kitchen activities.

In the Head Chef's absence, you will confidently step up to take full responsibility for the kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Kitchen Management
  • Supporting and deputising for the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations.
  • Providing leadership, motivating the kitchen team, and maintaining a positive and professional working environment.
  • Supervising, training and developing kitchen staff, ensuring high standards of performance.
  • Assisting with rota planning, ensuring the kitchen is appropriately staffed to meet business demands.
• Food Quality & Menu Development
  • Ensuring all dishes served across the restaurant and buffet areas meet Hoar Cross Hall's high standards.
  • Maintaining excellent presentation, consistency, and quality in every dish.
  • Contributing ideas for monthly menus and supporting the design and development of dishes using the freshest ingredients.
  • Working alongside the Head Chef to minimise waste and ensure cost-effective food production.
• Stock Control & Supplier Coordination
  • Maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring quality and value for money.
  • Overseeing ordering and stock levels, especially in the Head Chef's absence.
  • Ensuring goods received meet required standards and return any substandard produce.
  • Assisting with monthly stock-takes and weekly timesheets.
• Health, Safety & Compliance
  • Ensuring full compliance with Food Hygiene, Health & Safety and COSHH requirements.
  • Promoting high standards of cleanliness through structured cleaning schedules.
  • Ensuring all kitchen staff follow uniform, hygiene, and PPE guidelines.
  • Completing daily food and fridge temperature checks.
  • Following Fire and Evacuation procedures and taking appropriate action when required.
• Communication & Guest Service
  • Maintaining strong communication with the Head Chef, Restaurant Manager and wider senior team through daily briefs and weekly meetings.
  • Handling guest feedback and complaints professionally in the Head Chef's absence.

What We're Looking For

• Have experience as a Sous Chef or strong CDP ready for the next step.
• Have passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative menu development.
• Have excellent leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a team.
• Have excellent organisation, time management, and attention to detail.
• Be proactive, positive attitude with the ability to perform under pressure.
• Have a solid understanding of food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards.

Shift Patterns

• Full-Time – 45 hours per week.
• 5 days out of 7 per week – this includes weekends, holidays, and evenings.
• Typical shift patterns: 08:00 – 17:30 and 13:30 – 23:00 hrs.

Note

Full flexibility is key as you will be expected to work as and when necessary to meet the needs of the team and the business.

Why Join Us

• Work in a stunning, historic estate with a commitment to excellence in hospitality.
• Competitive Rate of Pay.
• Complimentary use of the leisure and spa facilities.
• Free meal per shift from our staff canteen.
• Complimentary Spa Day at Eden Hall on work anniversaries.
• Employee Benefits Programme.
• Free Parking.
• Refer a friend scheme.
• Discount on overnight stays and spa days.
• 30% discount on food and drink.
• Excellent Induction and training programme.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• People say you can't choose your family, well we choose you to be part of ours!