At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create a seasonal, ingredient-driven menu.
- Company: Join a vibrant start-up hotel brand focused on culture and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for growth, and a fun work environment.
- Other info: Embrace sustainability and develop junior chefs in a supportive atmosphere.
- Why this job: Be part of building something special and make a real impact in hospitality.
- Qualifications: Experience leading a kitchen team with a love for food and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We're not hiring people to fill a seat or add to our headcount. We're hiring people to craft our culture, ethos and success. This is a big deal for us, and we know it's a big deal for you: a new role defines how you spend your days, who you spend them with, and what your future looks like. Together, we'll shape each other's entire trajectory. That deserves thoughtfulness, empathy and respect. It's why this job description is deliberately detailed. We want you to know exactly what you're stepping into. The challenges, the opportunities, the quirks of the role, and the kind of impact you'll have.
Us Crafted is a series of life-friendly hotels and spaces where guests can be themselves and fill up on the good stuff: nature, food, wellbeing, craft, people and play. We hope to open several hotels in the coming years, with our first coming in summer 2025: Crafted at Powdermills, East Sussex.
You Crafted's culture will be inclusive and agile but with ambitious goals and a start‐up mentality. We need to execute brilliantly from day one and every team member will contribute wherever they are able.
As Sous Chef, you'll lead the kitchen team in delivering a bold, ingredient‐led menu that reflects our values — thoughtful sourcing, generous hospitality, and a real sense of place. You'll be responsible for shaping a food offering that balances consistency with creativity, running a tight ship day‐to‐day while nurturing a positive, ambitious kitchen culture. This is a hands‐on role for a chef who leads from the front, works clean and calm, and wants to be part of building something special from the ground up.
Primary Responsibilities- Lead and inspire the kitchen team in delivering a seasonal, produce‐driven menu aligned with Crafted ethos.
- Manage daily kitchen operations, including prep, service, rota planning, ordering, stock control and health and safety compliance.
- Work closely with the Executive Chef and Head of Food and Beverage to ensure smooth coordination between kitchen and front of house.
- Champion sustainability and local sourcing wherever possible, building strong supplier relationships.
- Develop and train junior chefs, setting a tone of mutual respect, professionalism, and growth.
- Uphold high standards of cleanliness, organisation and attention to detail throughout all service periods.
- Proven experience leading a kitchen team, ideally in a boutique hotel, restaurant, or lifestyle‐focused hospitality setting.
- A track record of delivering quality, consistency, and creative input under pressure.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, mentor and develop others.
- A collaborative, low‐ego approach to working with front of house, suppliers and leadership.
- Solid knowledge of kitchen operations, food safety, cost management and sustainability best practice.
- A genuine love of food, hospitality, and creating memorable guest experiences.
- Enjoy it: it's still work, but if you're having fun then so are our guests. It's ok if you're humming behind the bar or moving with the music.
- Own it: whoever you are, and whatever your role, someone's enjoyment is in your hands. Always keep an eye out.
- Improve it: ask for feedback (and don't be scared of what follows) and be curious. We'll give you plenty of chances to learn and develop.
Note: positive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles are integrated across these three values.
Contact Details: careers@staycrafted.com
Compensation: Competitive salary
Sous Chef in Bexhill-on-Sea employer: Crafted
At Crafted, we believe in hiring individuals who are passionate about shaping our culture and success. As a Sous Chef at our upcoming hotel in East Sussex, you'll be part of an inclusive and ambitious team that values creativity, sustainability, and personal growth. With opportunities for professional development and a vibrant work environment, you'll play a crucial role in delivering exceptional dining experiences while enjoying the journey of building something special from the ground up.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Bexhill-on-Sea
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Crafted. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Crafted
Don't be shy about reaching out to Crafted directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Bexhill-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Crafted and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crafted
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
