At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring high food standards and smooth operations.
- Company: Join The Lensbury, a stunning riverside hotel with a vibrant leisure club.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, in a supportive team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a prestigious kitchen and develop your culinary leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef with strong leadership and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About us
Part of Iconic Hotels & Resorts, The Lensbury is located on the banks of the River Thames at Teddington and is home to an exclusive leisure club, a 155 bedroom hotel, meeting and events space, restaurant and bar, Spa and 25 acres of gardens and grounds.
The Role
The Executive Sous Chef is the second-in-command of the kitchen, working closely with the Executive/Resort Head Chef to lead the day-to-day operation. The role is responsible for delivering consistently high food standards, driving kitchen performance, and ensuring effective cost control, while leading, developing and motivating the kitchen team. This role deputises for the Executive/Resort Head Chef in their absence and plays a key role in shaping culture, standards and operational delivery across all kitchen areas.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership and team development
- Lead the day-to-day management of the kitchen, ensuring smooth and efficient operations across all services
- Direct service delivery, ensuring food is produced and served to required standards, on time and under pressure
- Take full operational responsibility in the absence of the Executive/Resort Head Chef
- Ensure consistently high standards of cleanliness, organisation and hygiene across all kitchen areas
- Proactively identify, prioritise and resolve operational issues to protect service delivery
- Take responsibility for the day-to-day performance and development of Sous Chefs, Junior Sous Chefs and wider kitchen team
- Provide clear, constructive feedback to maintain performance and improve standards
- Address performance issues promptly, fairly and consistently, escalating where appropriate
- Support recruitment, onboarding and retention in collaboration with HR
- Conduct performance reviews and training plans
- Manage rotas in line with budgets
- Food quality and service delivery
- Take overall accountability for the quality, consistency and presentation of all food leaving the kitchen
- Drive consistent delivery of food standards in line with brand, specification and food safety requirements
- Ensure all preparation and service meet company, brand and legislative standards
- Lead the implementation of menus, recipes and specifications, ensuring effective portion control and minimal waste
- Continuously review and improve food quality, consistency and service standards
- Support menu development and innovation
- Respond to guest feedback
- Financial and commercial
- Take ownership of stock management across the kitchen, ensuring accurate handling, rotation and portion control
- Drive effective cost control through minimising waste and improving yield
- Lead stocktakes, ensuring discrepancies are investigated and resolved
- Ensure all purchasing and ordering activity is controlled and aligned with budget and company guidelines
- Contribute directly to the delivery of departmental food GP targets and drive cost awareness through the team
- Compliance and Health & Safety
- Ensure full compliance with all food safety, health & safety, COSHH and company policies
- Maintain excellent personal hygiene and enforce uniform and hygiene standards across the team
- Ensure all team members follow safe systems of work and meet required food safety standards
- Support food hygiene training compliance across the kitchen
- Adhere to all company emergency, accident and fire procedures
What we're looking for:
To be successful in this role, you must possess the following qualifications, attitude, behaviours, skills, and values:
- Proven Sous or Executive Sous Chef experience in a similar environment
- Strong leadership skills
- Excellent organisation and attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure
- Results-driven
- Collaborative leadership
- Problem-solving mindset
- Positive, flexible approach
- Flexibility including evenings and weekends and holidays.
Executive Sous Chef in London employer: Iconic Hotels & Resorts
The Lensbury, part of Iconic Hotels & Resorts, offers an exceptional work environment for the Executive Sous Chef role, situated in the picturesque setting of Teddington by the River Thames. With a strong emphasis on team development and culinary excellence, employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises growth opportunities, innovative menu development, and a commitment to high standards. The company fosters a collaborative atmosphere where creativity thrives, making it an ideal place for passionate chefs looking to make a meaningful impact in the hospitality industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive 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 Iconic Hotels & Resorts. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Iconic Hotels & Resorts
Don't be shy about reaching out to Iconic Hotels & Resorts 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 Executive 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 Iconic Hotels & Resorts 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 Iconic Hotels & Resorts
✨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!
