At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations and develop a passionate team while ensuring high food quality.
- Company: Join Meliá, a global leader in hospitality with over 350 hotels worldwide.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, global career opportunities, and exclusive hotel rates for you and your friends.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; everyone is valued here.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive family and make a real impact in the culinary world.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in a senior kitchen role and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The world is yours with Meliá. Joining Meliá is to embark on a journey without borders, where your potential to grow, develop, and inspire has no limits. It's knowing that the world is yours — with opportunities to build your career across destinations worldwide — all while being part of one warm, supportive, and passionate family.
Department: Kitchen / Culinary
Location: Melia White House
Reports to: Executive Head Chef / Food & Beverage Manager
Package: Competitive Salary + Service Charge
About Meliá Hotels International: Meliá Hotels International is one of the world’s leading hotel companies, with a presence across more than 40 countries and a portfolio of over 350 hotels worldwide. Joining Meliá means becoming part of a truly international hospitality group, with opportunities to grow and develop your career across the UK and destinations around the world.
What's in it for you?
- Competitive salary plus generous service charge
- Global career opportunities across more than 350 hotels worldwide
- Exclusive hotel rates for you, your friends & family with Meliá Hotels Worldwide
- Company pension scheme
- Refer-a-Friend bonus (£500 upon successful completion of probation)
- 28 days' holiday including bank holidays
- Health Cash Plan & discounted dental cover through HSF
- Unlimited access to Meliá's global learning platform (eMeliá)
- Career development and internal promotion opportunities
- Recognition and rewards programmes
- High-street discounts through Perks at Work
- Complimentary meals, beverages and uniform laundry whilst on duty
Mission: As Sous Chef, you will support the Executive Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen operations, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene, service and operational efficiency. You will lead and develop the kitchen team, oversee standards across outlets and take responsibility for the department in the absence of the Executive Head Chef.
Key Responsibilities – Operational Excellence:
- Lead the day-to-day kitchen operation and take responsibility for the department in the absence of the Executive Head Chef.
- Ensure all kitchen outlets operate efficiently in line with company standards, concepts, policies and procedures.
- Monitor food quality, presentation and service standards, providing constructive feedback and supporting continuous improvement.
- Conduct regular kitchen inspections with the Executive Head Chef and F&B Manager, ensuring hygiene standards are maintained and maintenance issues are reported promptly.
- Monitor deliveries, checking the quality, quantity and accuracy of goods received against orders.
- Support menu costing, stock takes, food cost control, waste management and accurate completion of transfers and house accounts.
- Lead, supervise and develop Chefs and Kitchen Porters, ensuring productivity, safety, training and performance standards are maintained.
- Monitor payroll, utilities, equipment use and departmental costs, supporting efficient operations and budget control.
- Work with the Executive Chef and F&B management to identify market trends, improve products, maximise revenue and support business objectives.
- Maintain effective operational procedures, records, reports and training practices, ensuring compliance with food safety, health & safety and company requirements.
What we're looking for:
- Minimum 3 years' experience in a Sous Chef or similar senior kitchen role within a 4 or 5-star hotel or high-volume restaurant.
- Proven experience leading and developing kitchen teams.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene and HACCP requirements.
- Experience managing food quality, presentation and service standards across multiple outlets.
- Good understanding of menu costing, stock control, food cost and waste management.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills with the ability to work under pressure.
- Experience managing kitchen operations, deliveries and supplier requirements.
- Good financial awareness and understanding of payroll, productivity and departmental cost control.
- Excellent communication skills with a collaborative and hands-on leadership approach.
- Professional culinary qualification or recognised cooking certification is desirable.
Because belonging to the great Meliá family is being VIP. At Meliá, our people are at the heart of everything we do. From entry-level roles to senior leadership, everyone contributes something unique. We are all Very Inspiring People, connected by passion, warmth, and a commitment to creating exceptional experiences — and that includes you.
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: Meliá Hotels International is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and accessible workplace for all. Our differences make us stronger and help us build a responsible present and a sustainable future.
Eligibility to work in the UK is required. If you want to become a Very Inspiring Person, apply today and start your journey with Meliá.
Sous Chef in London employer: Food & Beverage
Meliá Hotels & Resorts is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and international work environment in the heart of London, just steps away from iconic attractions. With competitive salaries, generous service charges, and extensive career development opportunities across over 350 hotels worldwide, Meliá fosters a supportive culture where every team member is valued and encouraged to grow. Enjoy exclusive benefits such as discounted hotel rates, a comprehensive health cash plan, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, making Meliá a truly rewarding place to build your culinary career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in London
✨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 Food & Beverage. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Food & Beverage
Don't be shy about reaching out to Food & Beverage 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 London
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 Food & Beverage 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 Food & Beverage
✨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!
