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- Tasks: Create seasonal menus and deliver high-end dining experiences in a luxury hotel.
- Company: Join a prestigious country hotel and wellness retreat in beautiful Dorset.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, private medical insurance, and pension scheme.
- Why this job: Work with fresh, home-grown produce and lead a passionate kitchen team.
- Qualifications: 3+ years as a Sous Chef in luxury dining; strong farm-to-table mindset.
- Other info: Dynamic kitchen environment with opportunities for professional growth and relocation support.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Dorset, UK
Start Date: Immediate
Contract: Permanent | 5 day working week with a rota shift schedule
Oplu is partnering with a luxury country hotel and wellness retreat with an on-site farm to appoint a dynamic Sous Chef. This is a key role supporting the Head Chef in delivering a market-leading, farm-to-table culinary experience within a refined, 5-star environment.
Overview
This is a hands-on position suited to an ambitious chef who thrives in luxury hospitality. You will work with exceptional home-grown produce, contribute to seasonal menu development and support a tight-knit brigade in delivering high-end guest dining experiences.
Requirements
- Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Sous Chef in luxury fine dining, a 5-star hotel or an award-winning restaurant.
- Strong farm-to-table mindset with a passion for provenance, sustainability and seasonal cooking.
- Full driving licence and ability to commute or relocate to Dorset. A relocation package is available.
- Confident leading a brigade and maintaining daily standards of quality, flavour and consistency.
- Deep understanding of food safety, kitchen hygiene and UK hospitality compliance standards.
- Collaborative, organised and calm under pressure with excellent attention to detail.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary & Guest Experience
- Create and deliver inspired, seasonal menus grounded in farm-to-table principles and provenance.
- Maintain the highest standards of taste, presentation, temperature and timing across breakfast, lunch and dinner service.
- Oversee mise-en-place and daily service to ensure consistent fine dining execution.
- Liaise with Garden and Farm teams to plan production and maximise the use of home-grown ingredients.
- Engage confidently with guests when required, enhancing the luxury retreat experience.
Kitchen Operations & Standards
- Maintain clean, organised and fully stocked preparation and service areas.
- Implement portion control and waste-reduction practices in line with company guidelines.
- Safeguard kitchen equipment and utensils, managing loss, misuse and breakages.
- Coordinate with Service, Housekeeping and Guest Relations to support seamless service delivery.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Act as a competent person for Food Safety and Health & Safety within the kitchen.
- Ensure full compliance with UK Food Standards, HACCP, COSHH and internal hotel policies.
- Maintain rigorous hygiene, cleaning and maintenance schedules, including temperature, storage and expiry checks.
- Ensure correct use of PPE and safe operation of all kitchen machinery and equipment.
- Support the Head Chef in leading the brigade, including Jnr Sous, Chef de Partie, Commis and Kitchen Technicians.
- Prepare kitchen rotas, manage hours and monitor lieu time in line with business requirements.
- Brief, train and mentor the team on standards, SOPs, presentation, portion control and fine dining expectations.
- Identify training needs and contribute to a positive, professional and high-performing kitchen culture.
- Assist the Head Chef with financial controls, procurement and stock management.
- Help maintain budgeted food cost percentages through accurate stock handling and effective waste control.
- Check deliveries for quality, quantity and correct documentation.
Additional Information
- Reporting to: Head Chef
- Line management: Jnr Sous Chef, Chef de Partie, Commis and Kitchen Technicians
- Brigade size: 8 full-time Chefs plus casual and temporary Chefs
- Hours: 40 hours per week, including weekends, early mornings and late evenings as required.
- Bonus: Up to 10 percent of salary based on set KPIs (pro-rata in year one).
- Private Medical Insurance: Voluntary inclusion.
- Pension Scheme: Voluntary inclusion with mutual company investment.
Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 14 days, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Sous Chef for Luxury Country Hotel (Dorset) in London employer: Oplu (formerly Chace People)
Contact Detail:
Oplu (formerly Chace People) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef for Luxury Country Hotel (Dorset) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, industry contacts, or even friends who might know someone at the luxury hotel. A personal connection can make all the difference in landing that dream Sous Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting session or a pop-up event showcasing your farm-to-table dishes. This hands-on approach not only highlights your culinary talents but also demonstrates your passion for seasonal cooking.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the interview! Research the hotel’s ethos and menu, and come armed with ideas on how you can contribute to their culinary vision. Showing that you understand their brand will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef for Luxury Country Hotel (Dorset) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Farm-to-Table: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your love for seasonal cooking and sustainability. We want to see how you connect with the farm-to-table philosophy, so share any relevant experiences or dishes that showcase this passion!
Be Specific About Your Experience: We’re looking for someone with at least 3 years in a luxury fine dining environment. In your application, be specific about your previous roles, responsibilities, and achievements. This helps us understand how your background aligns with what we need.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to keep it professional. Share a bit about yourself and your culinary journey, but also ensure your application reflects your skills and experience clearly. We want to get to know the real you!
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 role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oplu (formerly Chace People)
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the farm-to-table concept and the specific ingredients used at the hotel. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate seasonal produce into your menus, showcasing your passion for provenance and sustainability.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen brigade in the past. Highlight your ability to maintain high standards under pressure and how you’ve mentored junior chefs to foster a positive kitchen culture.
✨Understand Compliance Standards
Brush up on UK Food Safety, HACCP, and COSHH regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen practices and how you maintain hygiene and safety standards.
✨Engage with the Guest Experience
Think about how you can enhance the luxury dining experience for guests. Prepare to share ideas on how you would engage with guests and create memorable culinary experiences that align with the hotel's ethos.
