At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing kitchen, creating exquisite dishes and inspiring your team.
- Company: Join Houston & Hawkes, an award-winning independent caterer in Central London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free meals, and exclusive masterclasses with top chefs.
- Other info: Be part of a certified B Corp committed to sustainability and exceptional hospitality.
- Why this job: Make your mark in fine dining while developing your culinary skills in a premium environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in fine dining and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
- SENIOR SOUS CHEF
- Houston & Hawkes | Central London | £42,000 – £45,000 per annum | Monday to Friday
An exceptional opportunity for an accomplished Senior Sous Chef to join a refined, high-performing kitchen delivering food at the very highest level.
Houston & Hawkes is looking for a talented Senior Sous Chef to join one of our most prestigious Central London operations.
This is a premium culinary environment where fine dining, elegant canapés, private dining and exceptional hospitality are at the heart of the food offer.
We're looking for a chef with strong technical ability, creativity and an exceptional eye for detail.
A Michelin-starred restaurant, five-star hotel, high-end restaurant or leading contract catering background would be highly regarded.
You'll work closely with the Head Chef, helping to lead a talented brigade and ensuring every plate reflects the standards expected within a truly premium environment.
THE ROLE
- Support the Head Chef in leading the day-to-day kitchen operation
- Deliver exceptional fine dining, canapés, private dining and premium hospitality
- Create beautifully presented, seasonal dishes using high-quality ingredients
- Lead the kitchen confidently in the Head Chef's absence
- Inspire, coach and develop chefs across the brigade
- Maintain exceptional consistency, precision and presentation across every service
- Support menu development and bring creativity and fresh ideas to the food offer
- Manage ordering, stock control, food costs and kitchen administration
- Work closely with the front-of-house team to deliver seamless events and dining experiences
- Maintain the highest standards of food safety, cleanliness and compliance
- WHAT YOU'LL BRING
- Strong Senior Sous Chef experience within a premium culinary environment
- A Michelin-starred, fine dining, five-star hotel or high-end contract catering background would be highly desirable
- Excellent knowledge of fine dining, canapés and premium hospitality
- Strong classical and modern cooking techniques
- Exceptional attention to detail and a passion for presentation
- Confident leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop a talented team
- Commercial awareness and experience supporting food cost and stock management
- A calm, organised and professional approach in a demanding kitchen
WHY JOIN HOUSTON & HAWKES?
- £42,000 – £45,000 per annum depending on experience
- Monday to Friday working pattern
- Birthday off every year
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Free meals on duty
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- CODE Hospitality membership
- Exclusive masterclasses with award-winning chef Sally Abé
- Foodie Socials bringing our teams together to discover new food, drink and hospitality ideas
- Ongoing learning, development and genuine career progression
- Summer Awards Party celebrating our people and achievements
- An unforgettable Christmas Party at one of London's outstanding venues
- ABOUT HOUSTON & HAWKES
Houston & Hawkes is an award-winning independent caterer creating exceptional food and hospitality experiences across some of London's most prestigious workplaces.
As a Certified B Corp and recipient of the King's Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2026, we believe exceptional hospitality starts with exceptional people.
We invest in our teams, celebrate success and give talented chefs the opportunity to develop their craft and build careers they can be genuinely proud of.
Senior Sous Chef in London employer: Houston & Hawkes
Houston & Hawkes is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee satisfaction and growth, offering a competitive salary and the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment across various sites in Cambridge. With a strong focus on seasonal food and high culinary standards, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages creativity and collaboration, making it a rewarding place for passionate chefs to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior 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 Houston & Hawkes. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Houston & Hawkes
Don't be shy about reaching out to Houston & Hawkes 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 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 Houston & Hawkes 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 Houston & Hawkes
✨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!
