At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team to create and present high-quality dishes.
- Company: Join Rockliffe Hall, a luxurious five-star resort with stunning surroundings.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, and enhanced annual leave.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful estate with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting transformation in a prestigious hospitality environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen leadership role and a passion for menu innovation.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 40552 £ per year.
Location: Rockliffe Hall, Darlington
Salary: £38,000 to £40,552.20 per annum
Hours: Fulltime – 45 hours per week, including weekends
Reporting to: Senior Sous Chef and Head Chef
Responsible for: Chef de Partie, Commis Chef and Kitchen Porter
Job Purpose: We’re looking for an experienced Sous Chef to lead and direct a team of chefs to ensure all food is cooked and presented to a high-quality standard and to ensure that sections operate in a safe, hygienic and efficient manner.
Key responsibilities of the Senior Sous Chef:
- Assist in the achievement of gross profit targets set within the kitchen, through stock takes, portion control, product costing and wastage measures.
- Be able to liaise with recommended suppliers daily to ensure a good food product and price.
- Monitor the quality of goods delivered and ensure correct stock rotation is adhered to, and the correct procedures are followed.
- Plan the department rota ensuring manning levels are consistent with business levels.
- Manage team member sickness and holiday entitlement to ensure minimum disruption to guest service.
- Assist in conducting regular job chats and annual appraisals, ensuring objectives are set for all Kitchen team members.
- Interact and work well with the Front of House supervisors and other members of the management team.
- Be able to work as a team and communicate effectively at all levels.
- Manage performance of Kitchen team members by adhering to company procedures.
- Display a positive “can do” attitude to Senior Managers and the Front of House team.
- Represent the Kitchen team at daily and weekly meetings when necessary.
- Take part in the recruitment and selection process of new team members, ensuring they receive an in‑depth induction.
- Able to develop new menu ideas and implement them with descriptions and recipes.
- Deliver cook‑offs, training and information specification sheets for new menu items for the Kitchen and Front of House team.
- To oversee the quality and presentation of all food served to ensure that it is up to Rockliffe standard.
- Plan and place orders to selected food suppliers on a daily and weekly basis to ensure stock availability.
- To be able to meet deadlines and work calmly under pressure and willingly undertake any tasks when requested by senior management.
About Us: Set within a 375‑acre estate on the banks of the River Tees, Rockliffe Hall is a five‑star resort that blends heritage, luxury and natural beauty. Located in the quiet village of Hurworth, in the heart of the Tees Valley and close to the borders of County Durham and North Yorkshire, it offers a peaceful countryside setting with exceptional facilities. Surrounded by sweeping views and beautifully kept gardens, the resort features elegant bedrooms and a sense of quiet luxury, shaped by a warm northern spirit. Guests can enjoy an award‑winning spa, play on the longest golf course in the UK and experience both elevated and relaxed dining offerings, all within a restored eighteenth century estate designed for both relaxation and indulgence.
Why join? To be part of an exceptional Kitchen Team within a prestige hospitality environment during an exciting period of transformation and growth.
Benefits:
- A Day in the Life of a Guest Stay (Overnight Stay within the First 6 Months)
- Pension Scheme (Aegon)
- Hospitality Rewards Scheme
- Life Assurance (Legal & General)
- Private Medical Insurance (WPA)
- Selected Discounts Across the Resort
- Enhanced Annual Leave for Long Service
- Annual Leave – 20 Days plus Bank Holidays
- Employee Assistance Programme (Hospitality Action)
- Staff Meals
- Uniform Laundry Service
Lead Sous Chef — Luxury Resort, Menu Innovation & Growth employer: Only Chefs Ltd
Rockliffe Hall is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a prestigious five-star resort set in the stunning Tees Valley. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, our Kitchen Team benefits from comprehensive training, competitive salaries, and a range of perks including private medical insurance and enhanced annual leave. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment where creativity in menu innovation is encouraged, and every team member plays a vital role in delivering an unforgettable guest experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Sous Chef — Luxury Resort, Menu Innovation & Growth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, suppliers, and industry contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, offer to do a cook-off or a tasting session. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate your creativity and passion for food.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for interviews by researching the resort and its dining concepts. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their vision for menu innovation and team leadership.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our exceptional Kitchen Team at Rockliffe Hall.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Sous Chef — Luxury Resort, Menu Innovation & Growth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking and food shine through. Share your experiences with menu innovation and how you've contributed to a kitchen's success in the past. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but a culinary artist!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in leading teams and managing kitchen operations. We appreciate when applicants take the time to align their skills with what we’re looking for at Rockliffe Hall.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We value clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the Lead Sous Chef position. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Only Chefs Ltd
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the current menu and any recent changes. Be ready to discuss your ideas for new dishes and how they align with the resort's luxury dining experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Sous Chef, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past, handled conflicts, or improved team performance. This will demonstrate your capability to manage and inspire others.
✨Understand Cost Control
Brush up on your knowledge of stock management, portion control, and product costing. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve previously achieved gross profit targets and minimised wastage in your kitchen.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is key in a kitchen environment. Think of examples where you’ve successfully collaborated with front-of-house staff or other departments. Highlight your ability to maintain a positive attitude and work well under pressure.
