Sous Chef - Southampton

Sous Chef - Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Harbour Hotels

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the kitchen team in delivering high-quality food for events and weddings.
  • Company: Join the award-winning Southampton Harbour Hotel, a five-star destination.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, career progression, discounts, and ongoing training.
  • Other info: Enjoy meals on duty and access to employee assistance programmes.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous in a busy kitchen.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

About Us

Part of the award-winning Harbour Hotels collection, Southampton Harbour Hotel is a five-star, design-led property located in Ocean Village. Alongside our destination restaurant The Jetty and HarBAR on 6th, we operate a busy and well-established Meetings & Events business, delivering weddings, conferences and private events year-round.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Sous Chef to support the leadership of our Meetings & Events kitchen. This is a high-volume, fast-paced operation where consistency, organisation and strong teamwork are key. Working closely with the Head Chef, you will play a central role in delivering events to a high standard while supporting the day-to-day running of the kitchen.

Key responsibilities:

  • Support the delivery of high-quality food across weddings, conferences and events
  • Assist in leading, organising and developing the M&E kitchen brigade
  • Deliver multiple service styles including plated, buffets and canapés
  • Maintain strong control over food cost, labour and wastage
  • Support smooth communication with Sales and Operations for event execution
  • Drive standards, consistency and attention to detail across all services

About You

  • Proven experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous in a high-volume environment
  • Organised, hands-on and leads by example
  • Calm and structured under pressure
  • Good understanding of kitchen financials and cost control
  • Passionate about delivering quality at scale and developing a team

What We Offer

  • Competitive pay rates
  • Career progression within the Harbour Hotels group
  • Ongoing training and development
  • Hotel stays and F&B discounts across the group
  • Access to benefits and discount platform
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Meals on duty

If you are a Sous Chef who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and enjoys being part of a team delivering consistently high standards, we would love to hear from you. Please apply with an up-to-date CV.

Sous Chef - Southampton employer: Harbour Hotels

At Southampton Harbour Hotel, part of the prestigious Harbour Hotels collection, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and supportive work culture that values teamwork and excellence. As a Sous Chef, you will benefit from competitive pay rates, career progression opportunities, and ongoing training, all while working in a stunning five-star environment that prioritises employee well-being and development. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your culinary skills can shine and grow in a fast-paced, high-volume setting.
Harbour Hotels

Contact Detail:

Harbour Hotels Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - Southampton

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, attend local food events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Sous Chef role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Get your hands dirty! If you can, volunteer or do a trial shift at places you’re interested in. It’s a great way to show off your skills and get a feel for the kitchen vibe. Plus, it gives you a chance to impress the team before you even apply!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your love for high-quality food and teamwork. Talk about your experiences in high-pressure environments and how you’ve thrived – it’ll make you stand out from the crowd.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented chefs who can keep up with our fast-paced environment. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away, so make sure you get your application in!

We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef - Southampton

High-Volume Cooking
Team Leadership
Organisation Skills
Event Catering
Food Quality Control
Cost Control
Communication Skills
Calm Under Pressure
Attention to Detail
Service Style Adaptability
Kitchen Brigade Development
Hands-On Approach
Passion for Culinary Excellence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Sous Chef role. Highlight your experience in high-volume kitchens and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!

Showcase Your Passion: In your cover letter, let us know why you're passionate about cooking and working in a fast-paced environment. Share any specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to quality and teamwork. We love hearing about what drives you!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points for key achievements and avoid long paragraphs. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially in a busy kitchen setting!

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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Harbour Hotels family!

How to prepare for a job interview at Harbour Hotels

✨Know Your Kitchen Basics

Before the interview, brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with high-volume cooking, food cost control, and how you maintain quality under pressure. This will show that you understand the demands of the role.

✨Showcase Your Team Spirit

Since teamwork is crucial in a busy kitchen, prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles. Highlight any leadership experiences, especially in guiding junior chefs or managing kitchen brigades.

✨Be Ready for Practical Questions

Expect questions that test your problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment. Think about scenarios where you had to manage multiple services or handle unexpected challenges, and be ready to share how you tackled them.

✨Passion for Quality

Demonstrate your passion for delivering high-quality food. Share your thoughts on what quality means to you and how you ensure consistency in your dishes. This will resonate well with the interviewers who value attention to detail.

Sous Chef - Southampton
Harbour Hotels
Location: Southampton

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