The NICI New forest- Sous Chef

The NICI Lymington; South Baddesley; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meals on duty

Staff discounts

Training & development

Career progression

Job summary

The NICI Collection is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join our growing hospitality group across the UK. You will lead the kitchen team, drive daily service, develop menus and recipes, and work closely with the Head Chef to maintain high standards across the collection.

We value hands-on leadership, team development, and a proactive approach to food safety, cost control and guest experience. Competitive salary with service charge and staff benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience at Sous Chef or Junior Sous Chef level.
• Experience supervising and developing a kitchen team.
• Strong practical cooking skills and a genuine passion for food.
• Ability to maintain high standards during busy services.
• Good knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen requirements.
• Experience with stock control and kitchen cost management.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• The confidence to make decisions and take ownership when required.
• A positive attitude and willingness to support your team.

Responsibilities

• Take an active role in running the kitchen during service.
• Lead and motivate the brigade when the senior chef is not present.
• Organise the team and allocate tasks to ensure each service is properly prepared.
• Monitor dishes leaving the kitchen to ensure consistency, quality and presentation.
• Work alongside chefs on preparation and service when required.
• Help develop and maintain menus and recipes.
• Monitor stock levels and support ordering and receiving deliveries.
• Keep an eye on food costs, portion sizes and waste.
• Ensure kitchen areas are clean, organised and ready for service.
• Coach junior chefs and help develop their technical skills.
• Support recruitment and training within the kitchen team.
• Deal confidently with issues that arise during service.
• Ensure food safety, allergen and health and safety procedures are followed.
• Work closely with the wider Food & Beverage team to ensure a seamless guest experience.
• Support the Head Chef with the overall management and development of the kitchen.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen supervision

Food safety

Stock control

Communication

Job description

About THE NICI Collection

THE NICI Collection is a growing hospitality group creating distinctive hotels and destinations across some of the UK's most desirable locations.

The collection began with THE NICI Bournemouth and has since expanded with THE NICI Newquay and THE NICI New Forest. As we continue to develop our properties and teams, we are looking for ambitious hospitality professionals who want to grow with us.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Sous Chef to join our team.

Working closely with the senior kitchen team, you will help drive the daily operation of the kitchen and play a key role in ensuring every service runs efficiently.

This is a hands‑on leadership position. You'll be expected to lead from the front, support the team during busy services and maintain the standards expected across THE NICI Collection.

You'll also have the opportunity to develop your own skills while helping less experienced chefs progress within the kitchen.

What You'll Be Doing

On a day‑to‑day basis, you will:

• Take an active role in running the kitchen during service.

• Lead and motivate the brigade when the senior chef is not present.

• Organise the team and allocate tasks to ensure each service is properly prepared.

• Monitor dishes leaving the kitchen to ensure consistency, quality and presentation.

• Work alongside chefs on preparation and service when required.

• Help develop and maintain menus and recipes.

• Monitor stock levels and support ordering and receiving deliveries.

• Keep an eye on food costs, portion sizes and waste.

• Ensure kitchen areas are clean, organised and ready for service.

• Coach junior chefs and help develop their technical skills.

• Support recruitment and training within the kitchen team.

• Deal confidently with issues that arise during service.

• Ensure food safety, allergen and health and safety procedures are followed.

• Work closely with the wider Food & Beverage team to ensure a seamless guest experience.

• Support the Head Chef with the overall management and development of the kitchen.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a chef who is ready to take responsibility and enjoys being part of a busy, ambitious kitchen environment.

You will ideally bring:

• Previous experience at Sous Chef or Junior Sous Chef level.

• Experience supervising and developing a kitchen team.

• Strong practical cooking skills and a genuine passion for food.

• The ability to maintain high standards during busy services.

• Good knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen requirements.

• Experience with stock control and kitchen cost management.

• Strong communication and organisational skills.

• The confidence to make decisions and take ownership when required.

• A positive attitude and a willingness to support your team.

• The ability to remain calm and focused when the pressure is on.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who leads by example and understands that a successful kitchen depends on both the food and the people behind it.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary plus service charge.

• Meals on duty.

• Staff discounts across THE NICI Collection.

• Training and professional development.

• Opportunities for career progression within a growing hotel group.

• The chance to work alongside an experienced and ambitious culinary team.

• Opportunities to develop your career as THE NICI Collection continues to expand.

Take the Next Step

If you're an experienced chef who enjoys leading a team, takes pride in delivering great food and is ready for the next stage of your career, we'd love to hear from you.

Compensation: To be discussed