At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and deliver exceptional Italian cuisine at a high-profile venue.
- Company: Join the iconic Royal Opera House and work with renowned chef Angela Hartnett.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, quality team meals, career development, and staff recognition programmes.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and creativity in a busy kitchen.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique culinary experience in a vibrant and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef, with a passion for Italian food.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Set within the iconic Royal Opera House, Cicoria is an Italian restaurant and terrace bar created in partnership with renowned chef Angela Hartnett. Our food is generous, seasonal and rooted in Italian cooking, with a service style that is warm, relaxed and full of personality. We are looking for a talented and experienced Senior Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in leading the Cicoria kitchen. This is a brilliant opportunity for a confident chef who loves Italian food, takes real pride in consistency and wants to be part of a high-profile restaurant in one of London’s most unique venues.
About the Role
As Senior Sous Chef, you’ll work closely with the Head Chef to lead the kitchen team and deliver consistently excellent food across restaurant service, terrace dining, pre-theatre menus, post-show trade and events. You’ll help set the tone in the kitchen, supporting the team through busy services, maintaining high standards and making sure every plate leaves the pass with care and confidence.
You will:
- Support the Head Chef in leading, training and developing the kitchen team.
- Deliver beautiful, consistent Italian food with a focus on quality ingredients and seasonality.
- Run sections and services confidently, stepping up to lead the kitchen when needed.
- Be calm, organised and positive under pressure.
- Work closely with front of house to support a smooth and memorable guest experience.
- Help manage prep, ordering, stock, wastage and kitchen organisation.
- Understand food cost, GP and the commercial side of a successful kitchen.
- Maintain excellent standards of food safety, hygiene, allergens and health and safety.
- Bring energy, ideas and pride to menus, terrace moments, seasonal specials and events.
- Help create a kitchen culture where people feel supported, challenged and proud of the food they serve.
We are looking for someone with strong experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a quality restaurant, hotel or premium hospitality environment. Experience with Italian cooking would be a real advantage, but more important is passion, personality and a genuine love of good food.
What We Offer
- A senior kitchen role in one of London’s most unique venues.
- Targeted earnings of £50-£55k per annum.
- The chance to work in an Italian restaurant connected to Angela Hartnett and the Royal Opera House.
- A supportive senior team and the opportunity to grow with Cicoria.
- Quality team meals on duty.
- Uniform provided.
- Paid holiday.
- Staff benefits and recognition programmes.
- Career development within a respected hospitality group.
- A busy and varied environment, from restaurant service to terrace dining, events and performance-led trade.
Beyond experience, we’re looking for someone with warmth, pride and ambition. A chef who leads by example, supports the team and cares about delivering food that guests remember. Apply now.
Senior Sous Chef - Royal Opera House employer: Chartwells Independent
Cicoria, located within the iconic Royal Opera House, offers an exceptional opportunity for a Senior Sous Chef to thrive in a vibrant and supportive environment. With a focus on quality Italian cuisine and a commitment to employee growth, you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering memorable dining experiences. Enjoy competitive earnings, career development opportunities, and a unique workplace that celebrates creativity and culinary excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef - Royal Opera House
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow chefs, restaurant owners, and industry professionals. Attend culinary events or workshops to meet people who can help you land that Senior Sous Chef role at Cicoria.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting session or a pop-up event where you can showcase your Italian cooking prowess. This not only highlights your talent but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to appear. Reach out directly to the Royal Opera House or other restaurants you admire. Express your passion for Italian cuisine and let them know you’re keen to join their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your social media profiles with your culinary achievements and experiences. Share your love for food and engage with the culinary community. It’s a great way to get noticed by potential employers!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef - Royal Opera House
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Italian Cuisine:When writing your application, let your love for Italian food shine through! Share any experiences or dishes that highlight your passion and how it aligns with our ethos at Cicoria.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've trained and developed kitchen staff in the past, and how you maintain a positive kitchen culture.
Be Specific About Your Experience:We want to know what makes you the perfect fit for this role! Detail your previous roles, especially in quality restaurants or premium hospitality environments, and mention any specific achievements that demonstrate your skills.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Cicoria.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Italian Cuisine
Brush up on your knowledge of Italian cooking techniques and ingredients. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would put your spin on them. This shows your passion for the cuisine and helps you connect with the restaurant's ethos.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your experience in training and developing staff, as well as how you maintain morale during busy services. This will demonstrate that you can support the Head Chef effectively.
✨Emphasise Consistency and Quality
Be ready to talk about how you ensure consistency in food quality and presentation. Discuss your approach to sourcing seasonal ingredients and managing kitchen operations, as this aligns with the restaurant's focus on high standards.
✨Bring Your Personality
Cicoria values warmth and personality, so let your character shine through during the interview. Share anecdotes that reflect your passion for food and hospitality, and show how you can contribute to a positive kitchen culture.
