At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a section in preparing and presenting high-quality food for events.
- Company: Join a prestigious venue known for exceptional culinary experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days holiday, private medical cover, and generous employee discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team creating memorable dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Culinary training and strong pastry skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth in a historic setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Senior Sous Chef will lead a section in the preparation, cooking and presentation of food to the highest standards for our social, corporate, ticketed and internal events and experiences at No. 3 St. James’s Street, supporting the Head Chef who designs dishes to bring out the best in every bottle opened in our cellars.
You will be part of a team which helps to deliver outstanding experiences in our historic spaces. Your role will include assisting with the smooth running of our kitchens, with direction from more senior members of the kitchen brigade, working in a clean, tidy, safe, and pleasant environment.
Who you will work with:
- Internal: Chefs, Events and Experiences, Operations, Cellars, Finance, temporary staff.
- External: Our customers and suppliers.
What you will do:
- Oversee the day-to-day running of a section, to deliver high quality food standards for our first-class events and experiences.
- In charge of daily ordering for the pastry section with an overview of items for the whole kitchen.
- Assist with the management of all food items and ensure compliance with current legislation.
- In charge of the production of quality daily and seasonal changing dishes and menus, implementing head chef’s menu ethos and ideas and bringing the dishes to life.
- Ensure consistency of food quality, presentation, and plating; all prepared to serve in a timely manner.
- Keep recipes in good order and updated as necessary: work to agreed recipes and ensure other junior chefs and temporary staff work in the same way.
- Support with the designing of the seasonal and bespoke menus.
- Training and developing junior members of the team whether they be full time or agency.
- Prevent waste of food of any kind and over-production to mis-en-place. Keep food ordering to a minimum.
- Help minimise the consumption of gas, electricity, and water.
- Help develop staff (permanent or temporary) in achieving consistently high standards of food production and cleanliness in the workplace and encourage a continual improvement process.
- Ensure you, and any staff you are responsible for, follow the rules and guidelines set by the company regarding hygiene, stock rotation, dating, storage, temperature control of refrigerators, pest control, reporting of faulty equipment, reporting of notifiable diseases/accidents, and reporting of absence.
- Ensure all responsible cleaning, tidying and welfare of the kitchen and surrounding areas is carried out effectively and to a high-quality standard.
- Ensure the use, issue and care of all cleaning materials and equipment is controlled to maximum benefit, whilst considering health and safety regulations.
- Consult with the Head Chef where clarity is needed, or where there may be issues of concern, and comply with requirements regarding the workplace including internal procedures.
- Attend chef team and company briefings as required.
- Attend relevant meetings arranged in the interests of the business and our customers.
- Undertake any other duty and responsibility consistent with the role.
What you will bring to the role:
- Formal culinary training/qualification.
- Strong pastry skills.
- Professional experience from fine dining establishments, Michelin Star or 2 AA Rosette preferred.
- Strong knowledge of, and interest in, European and British cooking.
- Ability to work with fine ingredients and prepare dishes from scratch.
- Clear communication skills.
- Able to work consistently well under pressure in a busy kitchen environment.
- Able to undertake a physically demanding role in hot conditions.
- Able to work positively within a team and with confidence to delegate tasks to relevant members of the kitchen brigade if and when required.
- A flexible approach to working hours, according to events timetable and kitchen rota.
- Excellent understanding of, and compliance with, Food Hygiene standards, and willingness to undertake relevant training.
We support our colleagues with a wide range of benefits: you will start with 24 days' holiday, and 3 additional days over the Christmas period and 1 Personal Day, Private Medical cover & Health plan, Life Insurance, Pension, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), generous Employee discount (up to 40% off products), and many more.
Closing Date: 19th January 2026
N.B. We reserve the right to close a vacancy before the closing date.
Senior Sous Chef in London employer: Berry Bros & Rudd
Contact Detail:
Berry Bros & Rudd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, whether it's through social media or industry events. We all know that sometimes it's not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Sous Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes and experiences. We recommend bringing this along to interviews or sharing it online. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion and expertise in fine dining and pastry.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job postings to come to you. Check our website regularly and apply directly. We often have openings that might not be advertised elsewhere, so keep an eye out!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview like it’s a cooking competition! Research the company, understand their menu ethos, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their high standards. We want to see your enthusiasm and knowledge shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your culinary training and experience, especially in pastry. We want to see how your skills align with our high standards and the fine dining experience we offer.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear communication to showcase your experience and how you can contribute to our team. Remember, we appreciate a well-structured application!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Senior Sous Chef role. Mention your knowledge of European and British cooking, and how you can bring the Head Chef’s menu ideas to life.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Berry Bros & Rudd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the key ingredients and dishes mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you would elevate these dishes and your approach to using seasonal produce. This shows your passion for food and your understanding of the culinary world.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll be leading a section and training junior chefs. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a team or improved kitchen operations. Highlight your ability to delegate tasks effectively while maintaining high standards.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Safety Knowledge
Make sure you can talk confidently about food hygiene standards and safety regulations. Prepare to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen and any relevant training you've undertaken. This is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect to face practical questions or even a cooking test during your interview. Brush up on your pastry skills and be prepared to demonstrate your technique. Show them that you can work well under pressure and deliver quality dishes consistently.