At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen teams and deliver exceptional culinary experiences at Etihad Stadium.
- Company: Join a dynamic culinary team at a prestigious stadium known for high-quality hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, generous holiday allowance, and complimentary meals on shift.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and progression within a vibrant culinary community.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a fast-paced environment while creating unforgettable dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in a senior kitchen role with strong culinary and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The Senior Sous Chef plays a key leadership role within our Etihad Stadium Culinary operation, supporting the delivery of exceptional food quality, operational excellence and consistent culinary standards across our diverse hospitality and event environments. Working closely with the Head Chef and wider operational teams, the Senior Sous Chef will lead kitchen teams, maintain culinary standards, support menu development and ensure efficient service delivery.
We are recruiting across several areas of our Stadium operation, each offering a distinct culinary environment.
- Hospitality Cash Areas — Joe's & Kits: Supporting the culinary operation across our cash hospitality areas, the Senior Sous Chef will oversee food preparation, service delivery and kitchen team performance. The role requires strong organisational skills, consistency and the ability to deliver quality food within busy, guest-facing hospitality environments.
- Premium Hospitality: Working within our premium hospitality kitchens, the Senior Sous Chef will support the delivery of elevated dining experiences for guests attending Manchester City fixtures and other Stadium events. The role places particular emphasis on food presentation, attention to detail, menu execution and maintaining exceptional culinary standards.
- Protocol & Chairman's Hospitality: Supporting the delivery of high-end hospitality within the Stadium's Protocol and Chairman's areas, the Senior Sous Chef will play an important role in delivering refined dining experiences. The position requires excellent culinary skills, discretion, consistency and meticulous attention to presentation and service standards.
Day to Day Key Responsibilities
- Kitchen Leadership & Operations: Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day management and organisation of the kitchen operation. Lead kitchen teams during service, ensuring smooth delivery across events, hospitality and operational services. Provide visible leadership, coaching and support to chefs and kitchen colleagues, creating a positive and high-performing team culture. Ensure all food production is delivered to the required standards of quality, consistency, presentation and timing. Support the planning and execution of large-scale events, matchdays and hospitality services. Act as a senior point of contact within the kitchen operation, supporting decision-making and operational delivery in the Head Chef's absence. To support our sustainability objectives, menus are strategically engineered to maximise whole-product utilisation.
- Culinary Standards & Menu Development: Support the Head Chef in developing innovative, seasonal and commercially effective menus. Encourage the effective use of by-products across all stadium operations. Reducing food waste and increasing overall yield. Ensure recipes, preparation methods and presentation standards are consistently followed across the operation. Maintain excellent menu knowledge and support the delivery of exceptional guest experiences. Participate in menu tastings and provide constructive culinary feedback. Ensure all recipe information, allergens and nutritional information are accurate and communicated effectively.
- Food Safety, Compliance & Quality Assurance: Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and HACCP compliance. Ensure kitchen teams follow all food safety, allergen management and company procedures. Support internal audits, compliance checks and continuous improvement initiatives. Ensure the kitchen environment remains organised, clean and compliant with operational standards.
- Cost Control & Stock Management: Support the Head Chef with stock management, ordering and supplier relationships where required. Monitor food usage, portion control and wastage to maximise profitability. Identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve operational efficiency. Support effective cost management and gross profit performance within the kitchen.
- Collaboration & Continuous Improvement: Work closely with front of house, operations and wider hospitality teams to deliver seamless service. Build strong and professional relationships across all departments. Support the implementation of new processes, menus and operational improvements. Contribute ideas and solutions that improve culinary standards and guest experience.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Technical & Professional: Proven experience as a Senior Sous Chef, Sous Chef or equivalent senior kitchen leadership role within a high-volume hospitality environment. Strong culinary skills with experience leading teams and delivering high-quality service. Experience within events, stadiums, arenas, hotels, restaurants or premium hospitality environments preferred. Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP and allergen management requirements. Experience managing stock, food costs, wastage and kitchen controls. Experience supporting menu development and culinary innovation. Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
- Leadership & Personal Attributes: Demonstrated experience leading, coaching and developing kitchen teams. Strong communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships across departments. Calm and confident decision-maker during busy service periods. Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands. Passion for delivering exceptional food quality and guest experiences. Positive, hands-on and collaborative leadership style. High standards of professionalism, integrity and accountability.
Why Join Us?
- Private Medical Insurance (Vitality) – including Virtual GP access and rewards
- Group Life Assurance – 4x salary paid to your nominated beneficiary
- Birthday Day Off – an extra day to celebrate
- Complimentary Meals on Shift – breakfast, lunch, fruit and hot drinks
- Employee Assistance Programme & Wellbeing Platform – including counselling support
- Company Pension Scheme
- Generous Holiday Allowance – plus bank holidays
- Career Development Opportunities – with progression across the campus
Senior Sous Chef in Manchester employer: Eastlands Venue Services Limited
Eastlands Venue Services Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the iconic Etihad Stadium. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide comprehensive training and opportunities for advancement within our retail operations team. Our culture promotes teamwork and innovation, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in delivering match day excellence while enjoying the unique atmosphere of one of the UK's premier sporting venues.
Contact Details:
Eastlands Venue Services Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef in Manchester
✨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 Eastlands Venue Services Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Eastlands Venue Services Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Eastlands Venue Services Limited 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 Senior Sous Chef in Manchester
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 Eastlands Venue Services Limited 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 Eastlands Venue Services Limited
✨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!
