At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create iconic dining experiences.
- Company: Join the renowned Burgh Island Hotel, a stunning hospitality destination.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, monthly gratuities, staff discounts, and live-in accommodation options.
- Other info: Opportunities for ongoing training and career progression in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Shape menus and inspire excellence in a breathtaking coastal setting.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior Sous Chef or equivalent leadership role required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 48000 £ per year.
This is a rare opportunity to join one of the UK's most iconic hospitality destinations at an exciting point in its culinary journey. Burgh Island is home to three celebrated dining experiences: The Grand Ballroom and The Nettlefold, and the historic Pilchard Inn. Together, they offer guests everything from refined fine dining to exceptional coastal hospitality, all set against one of the most breathtaking backdrops in the country.
We are seeking an ambitious, talented and inspiring Senior Sous Chef to work alongside Executive Head Chef Dave and our dedicated brigade. This is more than a leadership role; it is an opportunity to help shape menus, develop people, champion standards, and contribute to creating memorable and iconic dining experiences that reflect the unique character of Burgh Island.
About the Role
As Senior Sous Chef, you will play a pivotal role in the day-to-day leadership of the kitchen operation, supporting the Executive Head Chef in delivering exceptional food across both venues. You will lead by example, ensuring consistency, quality and professionalism at every stage of service, whilst mentoring and developing the next generation of chefs within the brigade. From elegant tasting experiences within the Hotel to vibrant, high-volume service at The Pilchard Inn, you will thrive in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Executive Head Chef in the overall management and leadership of the kitchen operation
- Lead and inspire the brigade, creating a positive, professional and high-performing culture
- Ensure consistently exceptional food quality, presentation and guest satisfaction
- Drive standards of food safety, hygiene, cleanliness and compliance
- Assist with menu development, seasonal changes and new culinary initiatives
- Manage stock control, ordering, wastage and gross profit targets
- Oversee service delivery and kitchen organisation during the Executive Head Chef's absence
- Coach, train and develop junior chefs, apprentices and kitchen team members
- Work collaboratively across both kitchens to support operational success
- Champion continuous improvement, innovation and attention to detail throughout the culinary operation
- Closely manage kitchen budgets, including monitoring waste, as well as food and labour costs
What We're Looking For
- Previous experience as a Senior Sous Chef, Sous Chef or equivalent leadership role within a quality hotel, restaurant or hospitality environment
- Strong culinary skills with a passion for fresh, seasonal and locally sourced produce
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop kitchen teams
- Excellent organisational, communication and time-management skills
- Calm and confident leadership under pressure
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of kitchen financial controls
- A genuine passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences
- A desire to contribute to the ongoing growth and success of an ambitious culinary operation
Working Hours & Flexibility
Shifts scheduled on a rota basis. Weekends and bank holidays form part of the working schedule. Due to the nature of island operations, flexibility is occasionally required to support business needs.
Accommodation
Live-in accommodation may be available within our subsidised staff housing (subject to availability at the time of offer).
Important to Know
Due to our remote island location, live-out applicants must have a car and valid driving licence. You must have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.
Why Join Burgh Island?
- Work somewhere truly iconic with a proud hospitality heritage.
- Join Executive Head Chef Dave and an ambitious brigade at an exciting stage of development.
- Opportunity to influence menus, standards and the future direction of the culinary offering.
- Competitive salary, monthly gratuities and paid overtime.
- Delicious staff meals whilst on duty.
- Staff discounts across the property.
- Employee wellbeing support and assistance programmes.
- Ongoing training, development and career progression opportunities.
- Be part of a team that takes pride in creating unforgettable guest experiences in one of the UK's most extraordinary settings.
If you are a passionate chef leader looking for a role that combines creativity, excellence and opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.
Senior Sous Chef in Kingsbridge employer: Burgh Island Limited
Burgh Island Hotel & The Pilchard Inn offers an exceptional work environment for culinary professionals, set against the stunning backdrop of Devon's coastline. As a Senior Sous Chef, you will not only lead a talented brigade but also have the opportunity to shape menus and drive culinary excellence in one of the UK's most iconic hospitality destinations. With competitive salaries, live-in accommodation options, and a strong focus on employee development and wellbeing, this is a place where your passion for food and hospitality can truly flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef in Kingsbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Executive Head Chef and the brigade. Understanding their culinary style and vision can help you connect during the chat and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Bring along some ideas for menu items or improvements you could make. This not only demonstrates your passion for food but also shows that you're ready to contribute right from the start.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to talk about your leadership style. They’re looking for someone who can inspire and develop the team, so share examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen before. It’s all about showing you can create that positive, high-performing culture they want.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about their culinary initiatives and how they see the role evolving. This shows you’re not just there for the job, but you’re keen to be part of their exciting culinary journey at Burgh Island.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef in Kingsbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for cooking and hospitality shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about creating memorable dining experiences.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Sous Chef role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in leading kitchen teams and managing high-quality food service. We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Be Specific About Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your culinary skills and leadership. Whether it’s a successful menu you developed or a team you mentored, we want to know how you’ve made an impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Burgh Island. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Burgh Island Limited
✨Know Your Culinary Passion
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your culinary journey and what drives your passion for cooking. Be ready to share specific examples of dishes you've created or menus you've developed that showcase your creativity and commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll need to inspire and lead a team. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully motivated and developed junior chefs in previous roles. Highlight any initiatives you've implemented that improved team performance or kitchen operations.
✨Understand the Venue's Unique Character
Research Burgh Island and its dining experiences thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with their culinary offerings and think about how you can contribute to their iconic status. During the interview, express your ideas on menu development and how you would enhance the guest experience at both The Grand Ballroom and The Pilchard Inn.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect to face practical questions related to kitchen management, food safety, and cost control. Brush up on your knowledge of kitchen financials and be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets and reduced waste in past positions. This will demonstrate your commercial awareness and understanding of running a successful kitchen.
