Sous Chef Full Time, Permanent in Hythe

Working closely with our Culinary Knight (Head Chef), this position will be responsible for leading the talented culinary team at Lympne Castle covering retail outlets as well as events. Together, you will be crafting exquisite and innovative dishes that reflect the rich heritage and elegance of our historic castle and surrounding area. You will be capable of leading a team to prepare exceptional menus for our valued retail outlets and to cater to a variety of events, including but not limited to weddings, corporate gatherings, private dinners and public dining experiences.

Wages: Salary: £46k annually, + guaranteed monthly bonuses totalling at least £8,500 annually. Hours: 48 hours per week.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the co-development & execution of menus for various events and dining experiences, incorporating seasonal and locally sourced ingredients;
• Help lead a passionate team with discipline, flair and inspiration ensuring all food is high quality;
• Manage and supervise kitchen staff, providing training, mentorship & guidance while fostering a positive work environment;
• Provide leadership within culinary operations from pig roasts to haute dogs to vegan delights to fine dining;
• Assist with ordering and management of food and kitchen supplies; manage stock levels and minimize waste;
• Prepare and present dishes of the highest quality, ensuring excellent taste, texture, and presentation;
• Maintain clean and organized kitchens, adhering to food safety and hygiene standards;
• Work closely with other departments within the Castle to ensure all guest requirements are met;
• Fulfil event and retail shifts as needed;
• Stay up to date with culinary trends, techniques, and innovations to continuously enhance the castle’s dining offerings.

To Be Considered, The Following Criteria Need To Be Met:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Sous Chef, preferably in fine dining for events and restaurants, or a minimum of 3 years of other culinary leadership experience.
• Passion for delivering outstanding culinary experiences;
• Exceptional leadership, organizational and time management skills;
• Extensive knowledge of classical and contemporary cooking techniques;
• Self-motivated and disciplined;
• Solutions-oriented;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work well under pressure and multitask in a fast‑paced environment;
• Flexibility to work weekends and evenings as required;
• Have a safety‑first mind set.

This is a 7-day /week hospitality operation. As such, weekend and evening work is required. A reliable method of transport is recommended due to the remote location and shift work.

Please send your covering letter and CV to Operations@LympneCastle.com with Sous Chef in the subject line. Please note that obtainable references will be required. We practise a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age, or gender. As an organisation we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout. Please note: We can only consider applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK.