At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and deliver exceptional Italian cuisine in a vibrant setting.
- Company: Cicoria by Angela Hartnett, located in the iconic Royal Opera House.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, quality meals, uniform provided, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Join a high-profile restaurant and make your mark in London's culinary scene.
- Qualifications: 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 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 - Cicoria by Angela Hartnett employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland
Cicoria by Angela Hartnett offers an exceptional opportunity for culinary professionals in the heart of London, set within the iconic Royal Opera House. With a focus on quality Italian cuisine and a supportive work culture, employees benefit from targeted earnings, career development opportunities, and a vibrant environment that celebrates creativity and teamwork. Join us to be part of a renowned restaurant where your passion for food and leadership can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef - Cicoria by Angela Hartnett
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get chatting with fellow chefs and industry folks at events or online. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, whip up a dish or two and share it on social media. Tag the restaurant you're eyeing, like Cicoria, to catch their attention and showcase your passion for Italian cuisine.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the restaurant's menu and ethos. Bring ideas to the table about how you can contribute to their kitchen culture and elevate their offerings.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef - Cicoria by Angela Hartnett
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 inspire you, and show us how you can bring that passion to 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. We want to see how you've supported your kitchen team in the past!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don't just list your previous roles; tell us about the specific responsibilities you had and the impact you made. We love details that show how you’ve maintained high standards and delivered excellent food.
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 don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity at Cicoria!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland
✨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 interviewers.
✨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 a positive kitchen culture. This will demonstrate that you're not just a great cook, but also a strong leader.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Expect questions about how you handle busy service times. Share specific instances where you managed stress effectively and kept your team motivated. This is crucial for a Senior Sous Chef role, so showing your ability to thrive under pressure is key.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with food costs, GP, and stock management. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve contributed to the financial success of a kitchen in the past. This shows that you understand the commercial aspects of running a successful restaurant.