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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, manage service, and create delicious dishes.
- Company: Join Dakota, a stylish UK hotel brand known for exceptional service and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40% off stays, flexible hours, mental health support, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Be part of a positive culture with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Qualifications: 5 years cooking experience and 3 years in a leadership role required.
- Other info: Located in Motherwell, easily accessible with free parking.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 40000 £ per year.
Dakota Hotel based in Motherwell are seeking a creative Chef with strong leadership skills to join our Kitchen Team in the role of Senior Sous Chef.
CONTRACT AND PAY RATE
The gross annual salary is £37,000 inclusive of an anticipated tronc payment and an annual incentive bonus to earn up to £3,000. The role carries a permanent contract of a minimum of 44 hours per week, working any 4 or 5 days out of 7.
PRIMARY ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supporting the Head the running of the Kitchen including leading a smooth and busy service.
- Carry out managerial responsibilities including holding interviews and trial shifts, holding appraisals, and performance management.
- Support in driving the commercial performance of the kitchen by writing rotas and managing holidays, helping to write costed menus in line with the desired GP, carrying out stock take, and placing orders.
- Prepare and cook dishes according to the specification as set out by the Head Chef. This pertains to all menus including a la carte, room service, breakfast, bar food, bar snacks, events, and guest amenities.
- Be committed to working wholeheartedly as part of the team, effectively and positively communicating with all members of the kitchen and front of house team.
- Have a passion and display a willingness to train junior Chefs and apprentices in an open working environment of ongoing improvement.
- Strictly adhere to Health & Safety and Food Hygiene legislation following best practice at all times and leading the team to do so consistently.
- Where assigned, write HACCP's and oversee the completion of due diligence documentation to maintain our high food audit scores.
- Display a willingness to continuously learn and improve your skills as a professional Chef.
BENEFITS
- 40 per cent off stays at any Dakota
- 25 per cent off drinks and dining at any Dakota
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program which includes free private mental health support and counselling sessions, video GP consultations and private prescription services, access to daily rewards to be cashed out for shopping vouchers
- Access to discounted gift card platform
- Support from our in-house Mental Health Champions
- Additional holiday day on the first anniversary of your employment.
- Family-friendly flexible working options
- Meals on duty and uniforming
- £200 bonus to recommend a friend to join our team
- £10 bonus every time you are mentioned on Trip Advisor
- Free bi-annual eye testing for users of display screen equipment
- Accredited, certified compliance training given on employment such as in Food Hygiene, Alcohol Responsibility, Data Protection, and Health & Safety
- Access to a suite of external, certified resources via our Learning Management System
- Supportive continuous professional development culture with an annual appraisal and objectives, or a Personal Development Plan.
- Opportunities to undertake both internal and external training courses, including potential for in-house Apprenticeships.
ABOUT DAKOTA HOTELS
Dakota is a growing UK-based lifestyle brand, known for our stylish hotels, bustling brasserie Grills and upscale cocktail Bars. Dakota's story started with two boutique hotels on the outskirts of Edinburgh, in South Queensferry, and Glasgow, in Eurocentral. We have now expanded into prime city centre locations in Glasgow, Leeds, and Manchester, with Newcastle coming in 2025 and more in our pipeline.
Dakota is synonymous for delivering attentive and genuine guest service. We attract hard-working individuals who are passionate about working to the highest standards and have been voted within The Caterer's Top 15 Best Employers in Hospitality for the last five years in a row. We were also featured within the Top 10 employers in the 2024 Sunday Times Best Places to Work in the UK, as well as being awarded the Spotlight Award for Best Places to Work for LGBTQIA+ employees.
As recent winners of The Cateys 'People Team of the Year', we have award-winning internal training programmes within Dakota Academy fostering continuous development and ongoing training. As a result, over 75% of our leaders have been promoted internally and, for four consecutive years, a member of our team has won a prestigious Acorn Award awarded by The Caterer to the 'Top 30 under 30' in the industry, demonstrating our success in developing talent.
Our location, Parklands Ave, Motherwell ML1 4WQ, is just off the M8 motorway in Maxim Business Park at the Eurocentral Junction, we are a 92-bedroom boutique hotel which boasts a destination Bar & Grill restaurant as well as a newly built wedding events space. Our location is easily accessible by car and we offer complimentary parking for both employees and guests. Additionally, there are frequent buses using the CityLink 900 route, only 20 minutes from Buchanan St Bus Station directly to our hotel.
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
- A minimum of 5 years professional cooking experience in restaurant of a high calibre.
- A minimum of 3 years experience as a Junior Sous or above.
- Demonstrate effective leadership and communication skills which are in line with our positive and inclusive working environment.
- Trained and knowledgeable in food hygiene to level 2 or above, HACCP and allergens, although full training will be provided.
- Demonstrate a passion for quality food and preparation.
- Be hardworking and a team-player.
- Be able to be physically active in your role, standing for much of your shift and working at pace.
- An enthusiastic individual who will promote our culture of positivity.
- Be task oriented with a great pride for the work they do and attention to detail.
- Flexible with shift patterns and available around the needs of our business.
- Successful candidates must demonstrate having researched our brand and a genuine desire to be part of our team.
APPLY
Please send us your up to date CV. Visit our Careers page to learn about current opportunities and find your #DreamRolesAtDakota - we’d love to hear from you!
Senior Sous Chef employer: Dakota Hotels
Contact Detail:
Dakota Hotels Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Dakota's brand and values. Understanding their commitment to quality service and positive culture will help you demonstrate your genuine interest during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed kitchen teams in the past. Highlight specific examples where you've trained junior chefs or improved kitchen operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity by thinking of unique dish ideas that align with Dakota's menu offerings. Being able to present fresh concepts can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to talk about your experience with food hygiene and safety regulations. Since this role involves maintaining high standards, demonstrating your knowledge in these areas will be crucial.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially your leadership roles and culinary skills. Emphasise your time in high-calibre restaurants and any managerial responsibilities you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for quality food and preparation. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead a kitchen team and your commitment to health and safety standards.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Dakota: Research Dakota Hotels and mention what you admire about their culture and values in your application. This shows genuine interest and that you've done your homework.
Highlight Teamwork and Communication Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with kitchen and front-of-house teams. This is crucial for the role and will set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dakota Hotels
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing kitchen teams, conducting interviews, and training junior chefs. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team during busy service times.
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with Dakota's menu offerings, including a la carte, room service, and events. During the interview, be ready to discuss how you would contribute to menu development and ensure dishes are prepared to the highest standards.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Quality and Safety
Highlight your knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations, including HACCP. Discuss how you ensure compliance in the kitchen and maintain high food audit scores, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Continuous Learning
Show that you're eager to grow and improve your skills as a chef. Talk about any recent training or courses you've undertaken and express your enthusiasm for ongoing professional development, which aligns with Dakota's culture.
