Sous Chef in Hemel Hempstead

About Shendish Manor Hotel
Nestled in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, Shendish Manor Hotel & Golf Course is more than just a manor house. Set within 160 acres of stunning parkland, our historic estate offers a unique blend of elegance, modern comfort, and warm hospitality. Whether guests join us for a relaxing getaway, a dream wedding, a round of golf, or a special celebration, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences and memorable moments. As we continue to grow, we are looking for talented individuals who share our passion for hospitality and excellence. If you are seeking an exciting opportunity within a supportive and welcoming environment, we would love to hear from you. About the Sous Chef Role: We are seeking a talented and passionate Sous Chef to lead our kitchen team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of food preparation and production, ensuring the highest standards of culinary excellence and food safety. This role requires strong leadership skills and a commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences in a fast-paced environment. We also welcome applications from experienced Sous Chefs who are ready to take the next step in their career. If you have a proven track record of leading a team, managing kitchen operations independently, and maintaining high standards during service, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and inspire the kitchen team, promoting high standards of performance and professionalism.
Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health and safety regulations.
Develop innovative menus, seasonal specials, and new dishes to enhance the guest experience.
Manage stock levels, ordering, and inventory control to minimise waste and maximise profitability.
Monitor food preparation and presentation to ensure consistency and quality.
Stay up to date with culinary trends and industry developments.
Perform effectively during busy service periods, including weekends and events.
Work collaboratively with the management and front-of-house teams to deliver exceptional service.
Acts with appropriate caution in a dangerous environment where there are knives and high-temperature surfaces
Selects choice ingredients that will give dishes the best flavour
Occasionally takes on extra duties, such as cleaning, when the kitchen is short-staffed or the restaurant is particularly busy
Lead by example in maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, safe working practices, and HACCP documentation, ensuring the kitchen consistently meets internal audits and external inspections.
Skills
Proven experience as a Sous Chef with busy kitchen operations.
Strong knowledge of food preparation techniques and kitchen operations.
Excellent leadership and team management skills.
Sound understanding of food safety legislation and hospitality best practice.
Creative flair with experience in menu planning and development.
Ability to perform under pressure while maintaining high standards and attention to detail.
Strong organisational and communication skills.
Passion for delivering exceptional food and guest experiences.
NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery or a relevant culinary qualification (preferred).
Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings, weekends, and special events.
Why Join Shendish Manor? Work within prestigious Shendish Manor Hotel and Golf Course set in beautiful Hertfordshire surroundings.
Opportunity to showcase creativity and influence menus and food offerings.
Be part of a supportive and passionate team.
Career development opportunities within a growing hospitality business.
Competitive salary and benefits package.
If you are a passionate culinary professional looking for your next challenge, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of the Shendish Manor team.
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