At a Glance
- Tasks: Help reopen and run a vibrant kitchen, delivering top-notch Lebanese tapas.
- Company: Lazeez Tapas Mayfair, a family-run gem in Central London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, and rapid career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for training and growth.
- Why this job: Join a fresh team and shape the future of a beloved restaurant.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Senior CDP ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 38000 £ per year.
Location: Mayfair, Central London (opposite Selfridges, minutes from Bond Street)
Salary: £35,000 – £38,000 per annum + bonus scheme (based on performance and customer satisfaction)
About the Restaurant: Lazeez Tapas Mayfair is a long-established, family-run restaurant serving Lebanese inspired tapas. The restaurant combines a relaxed café-style atmosphere with high standards of food, service and presentation.
Role Purpose: The Sous Chef will play a key role in reopening the kitchen and shaping how it operates day-to-day. You will implement systems, standards and ways of working that enable consistent quality in a calm environment.
This role is ideal for a driven chef who is willing to learn, takes pride in presentation and wants genuine progression. High performance will be recognised quickly, with the opportunity to progress into higher roles as the business grows post-reopening.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support in reopening and running daily kitchen operations
- Deliver consistently high standards of food quality, consistency and presentation
- Lead, support and motivate the kitchen team during service
- Execute a simple, effective menu to an excellent standard
- Maintain food safety, hygiene, cleanliness and organisation across the kitchen
- Support stock control, ordering, rotation and waste reduction
- Remain calm and organised during peak periods, including the daily busy hour
- Work closely with front of house to ensure excellent customer satisfaction
Performance Metrics & Key Deliverables:
- Food quality, consistency and presentation standards maintained daily
- Customer satisfaction and positive feedback supported through kitchen delivery
- Smooth service during peak periods, especially the busiest hour of the day
- Strong kitchen organisation, hygiene and compliance maintained
- Positive teamwork and contribution to reopening culture and standards
Training, Reopening & Progression Opportunity: This is a reopening team. You will be part of the group responsible for opening the restaurant back up, setting standards and building the team culture from day one. Training provided. Progression can be rapid for high performers.
Working Pattern:
- Operating hours: 10:30am – 11:00pm
- Typical shifts: 08:30am – 5:00pm (opening) / 4:30pm – 11:30pm (closing)
- Double shifts may be available
- The restaurant may close one day per week (day to be confirmed)
Candidate Profile:
Essential Skills & Experience required:
- Proven experience in a Sous Chef role or as a strong Senior CDP ready to step up
- Strong knowledge of kitchen operations, hygiene and food safety
- Calm, organised approach under pressure
- High standards of personal and professional presentation
- A driven attitude with willingness to learn and grow
Desirable Skills & Experience required:
- Experience with Mediterranean / Middle Eastern / tapas or small plate service
- Experience supporting a reopening, relaunch or change in operating model
Reporting & Team Structure:
- Reports directly to the Founder
- Works closely with General Manager / Front of House leadership
- Part of a small, close-knit kitchen team built for reopening
General Responsibilities:
- Uphold restaurant standards, values and service expectations at all times
- Follow the system and ways of working agreed for the reopening
- Maintain a professional appearance and attitude on shift
- Comply with all relevant legislation and internal policies relating to food safety and health & safety
- Support a calm, personable environment while delivering consistently high standards
Universal Personal Responsibilities:
- Present a professional image, both on site and to guests, and be an ambassador for the restaurant by demonstrating its values
- Follow the correct processes and understand the consequences of failing to do so
- Treat all colleagues fairly, working according to the principles of equal opportunity and respect
- Be willing to work in excess of usual working hours when required
- Comply with all legal requirements relevant to your role
Universal Team Participation Responsibilities:
- Understand, question where appropriate, and agree the Team Objectives, service standards and your own Personal Objectives
- Comply with all processes and procedures to ensure that personal, team and business performance standards are maintained
- Take ownership of work and contribute to making decisions
- Apply problem solving and creative thinking to maximise guest satisfaction and service quality
- Be a team player and support your colleagues as appropriate
- Seek to continuously improve performance by learning and developing new skills
- Take ownership of personal development, seeking feedback and training
- Provide ideas and suggestions for improving your own and team performance
- Remain adaptable and responsive to business needs
- Actively provide constructive feedback and suggestions to support continuous improvement across the restaurant
Sous Chef employer: Step Ahead Recruitment Ltd.
Lazeez Tapas Mayfair is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Central London, just steps from Bond Street. As a family-run restaurant with a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and rapid career progression, particularly for high performers. With a focus on calm, personable hospitality and a unique opportunity to shape the kitchen's reopening, this role promises a rewarding experience for those passionate about culinary excellence.
Contact Details:
Step Ahead Recruitment Ltd. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with fellow chefs, suppliers, and even customers. You never know who might have a lead on a great sous chef position or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up in person! If you're eyeing a specific restaurant, pop in during quieter hours. Introduce yourself, express your interest, and maybe even drop off your CV. It’s all about making that personal connection!
✨Tip Number 3
Get social! Follow restaurants on social media and engage with their posts. Comment on their dishes or share your own culinary creations. This can help you get noticed and show your passion for the industry.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented sous chefs like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
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 and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but someone who truly cares about the quality and presentation of every dish.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the Sous Chef role at Lazeez Tapas. Highlight your relevant experience, especially if you've worked with Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisine before. We appreciate candidates who take the time to connect their skills with our restaurant's vision.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we love a friendly tone, remember to maintain professionalism in your application. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. A well-organised application reflects your ability to stay calm and organised under pressure, which is key in our busy kitchen!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us that you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Lazeez Tapas!
How to prepare for a job interview at Step Ahead Recruitment Ltd.
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the restaurant's menu, especially their Lebanese-inspired tapas. Be ready to discuss how you would execute these dishes and maintain high standards of presentation and quality.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a kitchen team. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and supported your team in previous roles, especially during busy service periods. Highlight your calm approach under pressure.
✨Emphasise Your Hygiene Knowledge
Food safety and hygiene are crucial in any kitchen. Be prepared to discuss your experience with maintaining cleanliness and compliance with health regulations. This will show that you take these responsibilities seriously.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
The role requires a driven attitude and a desire for progression. Share your aspirations for growth within the culinary field and how you plan to contribute to the restaurant’s reopening and success.
