At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and deliver exceptional Italian cuisine at a prestigious venue.
- Company: Join the iconic Royal Opera House and work with renowned chef Angela Hartnett.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, quality team meals, uniform provided, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a supportive team and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique dining experience and create memorable moments for guests.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a quality restaurant is essential.
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 RoleAs 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 OfferA 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: CH&CO
At Cicoria, located within the iconic Royal Opera House, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a warm and supportive work culture. As a Senior Sous Chef, you will not only have the opportunity to work alongside renowned chef Angela Hartnett but also benefit from targeted earnings of £50-£55k, career development opportunities, and a vibrant environment that celebrates Italian cuisine. Join us to be part of a team that values passion, creativity, and the art of memorable dining experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef - Royal Opera House
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, industry contacts, or even friends who might know someone at the Royal Opera House. A personal connection can make all the difference in landing that Senior Sous Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish or two to share with the team during an informal meet-up. It’s a great way to showcase your passion for Italian cooking and your ability to create memorable food experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the heat! When you land that interview, be ready to discuss how you handle pressure in a busy kitchen. Share specific examples of how you've led a team through challenging services while maintaining high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about joining our team at Cicoria.
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 have inspired you, and show us why you're excited about the opportunity to work at Cicoria.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your experience in training and developing others. Give examples of how you've supported your team in busy services and maintained high standards.
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented:We want to see that you can manage prep, ordering, and stock effectively. Mention any systems or processes you've implemented in previous roles to keep things running smoothly in the kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way for us to receive your details and get to know you better. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at CH&CO
✨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 own 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 high standards during busy services. This will demonstrate your capability to support the Head Chef effectively.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about managing kitchen operations, such as stock control and food safety. Think of specific scenarios where you've tackled challenges in these areas. This will show that you understand the commercial side of running a successful kitchen.
✨Bring Your Personality
The Royal Opera House values warmth and personality, so let yours shine through! Share your ideas for seasonal specials or how you create a positive kitchen culture. This will help the interviewers see how you'd fit into their team and contribute to the restaurant's atmosphere.
