At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and deliver exceptional food in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Fortnum's Bar at Heathrow, known for quality and heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, discounts, free meals, and generous holiday.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work culture with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a flagship airport hospitality operation with career growth.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Senior Sous Chef and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Located within Heathrow Terminals 3 and 4, Fortnum's Bar showcases the very best of the Fortnum & Mason brand, offering travellers exceptional food, world-class Champagne, and renowned service in a unique airport environment. We are currently recruiting an experienced Senior Sous Chef to join our Heathrow culinary operation. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and driven chef who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment, delivering consistently high standards while leading and developing a talented brigade.
Working closely with the Head Chef, you will play a key role in driving kitchen performance, maintaining operational excellence, and ensuring every dish reflects the quality and heritage synonymous with Fortnum & Mason.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day management of the Heathrow kitchen operation.
- Ensure food is consistently delivered to the highest standards across all areas of responsibility.
- Coach, mentor, and develop Chef de Parties and Commis Chefs, leading by example.
- Monitor food quality, presentation, and portion control to maintain Fortnum & Mason standards.
- Maintain accurate food safety records, audits, due diligence checks, and temperature monitoring.
- Manage stock control, stocktakes, and inventory levels while minimising waste.
- Support labour management and kitchen operational performance.
- Collaborate closely with front-of-house teams to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Communicate menu changes, product knowledge, and operational updates effectively.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, HACCP, health & safety, and company policies.
- Deliver coaching, performance feedback, and development opportunities to kitchen team members.
You are an experienced and passionate kitchen leader who thrives in a busy hospitality environment. You are committed to delivering exceptional food quality, developing people, and maintaining high operational standards while supporting a positive and productive kitchen culture.
You’ll bring:
- Proven experience as a Senior Sous Chef within a high-volume hospitality, restaurant, hotel, airport, or production kitchen environment.
- Strong leadership experience with a track record of managing and developing kitchen teams.
- Excellent organisational, communication, and time management skills.
- A strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, and health & safety requirements.
- Experience managing stock, labour, and kitchen operational performance.
- The ability to perform under pressure while maintaining attention to detail.
- A passion for food, quality, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- A positive attitude and commitment to coaching and developing others.
- A stable employment history demonstrating commitment and career progression.
Please Note: Appointment is subject to satisfactory references and completion of a 5-year employment and education history check. Due to the security requirements of working at Heathrow Airport, successful candidates will be required to complete additional airport security screening and vetting checks. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK and able to obtain and maintain the required airport security pass.
Why Work for Us?
- Competitive salary plus paid overtime.
- Discretionary annual bonus (up to 5% of salary).
- Up to 40% store and restaurant discounts.
- Free meal whilst on shift.
- 28 days holiday, plus your birthday off and up to 5 wellbeing days.
- Matched pension scheme.
- Career development and progression opportunities.
- Opportunity to work within a flagship airport hospitality operation.
Senior Sous Chef - Back of House in London employer: Heathrow Employment & Skills Academy
Fortnum & Mason offers an exceptional work environment at Heathrow Airport, where employees are part of a prestigious fine dining establishment. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and career development, the company fosters a supportive culture that values each individual's contributions. Employees benefit from opportunities for growth and recognition in a dynamic setting, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Heathrow Employment & Skills Academy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef - Back of House 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 Heathrow Employment & Skills Academy. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Heathrow Employment & Skills Academy
Don't be shy about reaching out to Heathrow Employment & Skills Academy 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 - Back of House 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 Heathrow Employment & Skills Academy 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 Heathrow Employment & Skills Academy
✨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!
