At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily kitchen operations and deliver exceptional dining experiences at KOKO.
- Company: Join the iconic KOKO, a legendary live music venue in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, staff meals, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth, training, and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team redefining live music and hospitality.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef in a high-volume, quality-focused environment.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
London’s iconic KOKO reopened in Spring 2022 after a three-year restoration and redevelopment, emerging as a state-of-the-art live music venue spanning 50,000 square feet.
A favourite of Prince, Kanye West, Amy Winehouse, and Madonna, KOKO now combines its legendary history with cutting‑edge technology, including high-spec streaming capabilities, to deliver unrivalled experiences for live music fans.
Backstage, the House of KOKO offers a four‑floor members’ club, granting access to a stunning roof terrace and conservatory, dome cocktail bar, penthouse and recording studio, piano room, library, hidden speakeasy, stage kitchen and secret vinyl rooms.
Described by Vogue as "a totally unique experience", by the BBC as "changing the face of music" and by the FT as "The arts space of the future", KOKO sits at the forefront of culture, creativity, and world-class entertainment.
We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our team and help shape the next chapter of this venue where we blend entertainment and hospitality into a unique experience for members and guests.
Whether your skills lie in front-of-house, club and hospitality innovation or with the commercial & operational support teams, you’ll be part of a dynamic, inclusive and ambitious team redefining live music, culture and experiences in London and beyond.
This role is to consistently support the delivery of a genuinely unique and positively unforgettable dining experience across your designated kitchen at The House of KOKO and its event offerings.
As Sous Chef, you will be instrumental in maintaining exceptional food and service standards, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, and contributing to a team-first, quality-driven kitchen culture.
Reporting to the Head Chef, you will act as a dependable second-in-command - Supporting leadership across restaurant service, private events, and back-of-house systems, while upholding consistency, professionalism, and compliance at every level.
You’ll bring precision, calm leadership, and a collaborative mindset that drives both culinary excellence and operational efficiency.
- Role and Responsibilities
- Operational
- Support the Head Chef in leading daily kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, consistency, and timely service across all areas.
- Oversee mise en place, service prep, and efficient kitchen close-down procedures.
- Act as kitchen lead in the absence of the Head Chef, ensuring continuity of standards and communication.
- Maintain high levels of hygiene, organisation, and allergen awareness, ensuring full compliance with food safety protocols.
- Play a key role in delivering in-house and external events, ensuring kitchen logistics, service timelines, and bespoke menus are executed to brief.
- Communicate effectively with Events, FOH, and wider Ops teams to coordinate service and kitchen readiness.
- Perform regular quality checks on dishes, ensuring presentation and taste are upheld at all times.
- Maintain kitchen documentation and logs in line with health & safety requirements and site readiness expectations.
- Support the Head Chef in implementing operational efficiencies, systems improvements, and service refinements.
- Attend operational briefings and represent the kitchen when required.
- Work with the Head Chef to help monitor food GP, waste management, and prep yields to support the kitchen’s financial performance.
- Support stock management: checking deliveries, assisting with ordering, and monitoring usage.
- Assist with rota planning and labour forecasting in line with service demand.
- Maintain correct portioning and dish execution to protect recipe costings and minimise overproduction.
- Flag equipment repair or replacement needs promptly, supporting cost control and continuity of service.
- Help track kitchen performance and understand how day-to-day decisions impact financial outcomes.
- Team Management
- Lead by example in your work ethic, professionalism, and attention to detail.
- Act as a role model and line leader to junior chefs and kitchen porters, providing daily support, feedback, and training.
- Conduct pre-service briefings, helping to align team focus, service standards, and daily priorities.
- Help identify and develop emerging talent within the team, supporting succession planning and skills growth.
- Contribute to recruitment and onboarding of new kitchen team members, ensuring smooth induction and training.
- Promote a positive, respectful, and high-performance team culture in line with KOKO’s values.
- Uphold standards of punctuality, appearance, and conduct across the brigade
About You
We are seeking a quality-led Sous Chef to support the daily operations of dynamic kitchens - someone who embodies professionalism, consistency and a deep passion for food, with the following key attributes:
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef in a high-volume, quality-led environment.
- Passionate about seasonally focused, modern food with strong attention to execution.
- Confident in managing service, leading small teams, and giving clear direction under pressure.
- Positive, proactive and solutions-focused in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Detail-oriented when it comes to cleanliness, compliance, and consistency.
- Comfortable supporting both day-to-day restaurant service and bespoke event execution.
- A collaborative communicator who thrives working cross-functionally with FOH, events and senior kitchen leaders.
- Eager to grow, develop others, and contribute to a professional, dynamic kitchen culture.
- Please note we are only able to consider candidates with the Right to Work in the UK
At KOKO, we believe your work should inspire you, and reward you, too.
While some benefits may vary depending on your role, you can expect support across four key areas:
Pay & Progression
We invest in your future.
You’ll have access to internal development opportunities, tailored training schemes and apprenticeships to help you grow your skills and career in hospitality, entertainment or our commercial and support functions.
Hospitality roles at KOKO are paid fortnightly for flexibility and consistency, and of course, there is a pension scheme in place for all.
Your wellbeing matters to us.
From day one, you’ll have access to a GP service and Employee Assistance Programme, extended to dependants too.
Alongside this, you’ll have access to a wellbeing programme, offering cash rewards, discounts and wellness tools.
Many of our roles also benefit from private health insurance with BUPA.
Work & Lifestyle
We want to make life outside of work easier too - We understand flexibility, we offer a day off for your birthday in addition to your holiday and contributions to late-night taxi fares.
When you’re working on site, you’ll always be provided with a staff meal to keep you energised.
Depending on your role, benefits may include enhanced sick pay and family-related leave.
Being part of KOKO means being at the heart of music and culture.
As part of our team, you’ll enjoy discounts at Café KOKO and across the Theatre, with opportunities for ticket access to some of London’s most exciting shows.
Plus, you’ll also benefit from exclusive neighbourhood perks and local partnerships.
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Maintenance Engineer KOKO London £35,000 per annum employer: Koko Camden
At The House of KOKO, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values creativity, teamwork, and a passion for hospitality. Our vibrant work culture encourages personal growth and development, offering opportunities to learn from experienced chefs while working with fresh, seasonal ingredients in a dynamic environment. With flexible contracts and a commitment to delivering extraordinary dining experiences, joining our kitchen brigade means becoming part of a unique venue that celebrates culture and culinary excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Engineer KOKO London £35,000 per annum
✨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 Koko Camden. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Koko Camden
Don't be shy about reaching out to Koko Camden 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 Maintenance Engineer KOKO London £35,000 per annum
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 Koko Camden 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 Koko Camden
✨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!
