Sous Chef

Sous Chef

Dorchester Full-Time 32000 - 48000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Summer Lodge Country House Hotel

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead kitchen operations and inspire a talented team to create exquisite dishes.
  • Company: Join the prestigious Red Carnation Hotels, known for luxury and exceptional service.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 20-27 days holiday, service charge, discounts, and paid volunteering days.
  • Other info: Free meals on duty and a supportive environment that values diversity.
  • Why this job: Be part of a vibrant culture with award-winning training and recognition events.
  • Qualifications: Previous experience in a fine dining or luxury hotel setting is essential.

The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 Β£ per year.

Job Description

Sous Chef ***luxury Hotel in Dorset***

Incredible benefits & service charge

We are looking for a Sous Chef on a full-time basis. This position reports directly to the Head Chef and Executive Chef.We are looking for someone with previous experience in a similar role in a four- or five-star hotel or fine dining restaurant. Someone who is an excellent leader and has great communication skills; able to lead and motivate a team.

Location:Summer Lodge, Dorset

Employment Type:Full-time

Working Pattern: Shift work (5 days on, 2 days off)

Salary:Β£40,000 + Service Charge

Key Responsibilities of a Sous Chef:

  • Support the Head Chef with day-to-day kitchen operations
  • Ensure all dishes are prepared according to recipe specifications with consistency and attention to detail
  • Maintain accurate portion control and minimize food waste
  • Cost recipes and review product yields regularly
  • Uphold hygiene and safety standards at all times
  • Manage section organisation and ordering
  • Lead, train, and inspire junior team members
  • Ensure chefs wear clean, professional uniforms and maintain a polished appearance in guest-facing areas

What are we looking For?

  • Proven experience in a similar role within a 4- or 5-star hotel or fine dining restaurant
  • Strong leadership and team management skills
  • Excellent communication and time management
  • A passion for food quality, creativity, and presentation
  • A proactive and professional approach under pressure

Whats in it for you?

  • Holiday allowance starting at 20 days and increasing with length of service up to 27 days + 8 bank holidays
  • Excellent service charge added to your salary every month.
  • Professional, award winning learning and development opportunities from day one.
  • Fantastic recommend a friend and family bonus scheme worth up to Β£600.
  • Enhanced paid maternity leave & paternity leave.
  • 50% off on food and 25% off on beverages in any Red Carnation Hotels F&B outlets.
  • Discounted accommodation rates at Red Carnation Hotels worldwide.
  • Two paid volunteering days each year, because we care about our community.
  • Access to immediate Employee Assistance Programme, because we care about our employees.
  • Vibrant hotel recognition events every month and hotel-based incentives (Employee of the Month / Manager of the Quarter).
  • Social and team building events per hotel.
  • Global Employee Appreciation Party, where we get to celebrate our incredible teams.
  • Free meals on duty.
  • Complimentary uniform and dry-cleaning services.

Red Carnation Hotels is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We electronically scan and store a copy of your passport/visa and/or ID card to gain a clear indication of the authenticity of the document and establish the Right to Work in the UK.

AMRT1_UKCT

Summer Lodge Country House Hotel

Contact Detail:

Summer Lodge Country House Hotel Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Sous Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the hospitality industry, especially those who have experience in luxury hotels or fine dining. Attend culinary events or workshops where you can meet chefs and other kitchen staff; this could lead to valuable connections and potential job opportunities.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership skills by volunteering to lead a team project or event at your current workplace. This will not only enhance your resume but also demonstrate your ability to motivate and inspire others, which is crucial for a Sous Chef role.

✨Tip Number 3

Familiarise yourself with the specific cuisine and style of the hotel you're applying to. Research their menu and understand their approach to food quality and presentation, so you can speak knowledgeably about how you would contribute to their kitchen during interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare for your interview by practising common culinary scenarios and questions that may arise. Think about how you would handle kitchen challenges, manage team dynamics, and ensure high standards under pressure, as these are key aspects of the Sous Chef position.

We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef

Leadership Skills
Team Management
Excellent Communication
Time Management
Attention to Detail
Creativity in Food Presentation
Proactive Approach
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Knowledge of Hygiene and Safety Standards
Recipe Costing
Portion Control
Training and Mentoring
Organisational Skills
Experience in Fine Dining or Luxury Hotels

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in a four- or five-star hotel or fine dining restaurant. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage a kitchen effectively.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food quality and creativity. Mention your previous roles and how they have prepared you for the Sous Chef position, as well as your approach to leading and inspiring a team.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your communication and time management skills. Provide examples of how you've maintained hygiene and safety standards in past roles, as this is crucial for the position.

Show Enthusiasm for the Role: Express your excitement about the opportunity to work at Summer Lodge and contribute to their culinary team. Mention any specific aspects of the hotel or its values that resonate with you, showing that you've done your research.

How to prepare for a job interview at Summer Lodge Country House Hotel

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Sous Chef, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate a team. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff in the past, highlighting your communication skills and ability to inspire others.

✨Emphasise Attention to Detail

The role requires consistency and precision in dish preparation. During the interview, discuss your approach to maintaining high standards in food quality and presentation, and how you ensure that recipes are followed accurately.

✨Discuss Your Experience in Fine Dining

Since the position is in a luxury hotel, it's crucial to highlight your previous experience in four- or five-star establishments. Share specific examples of your responsibilities and achievements in similar roles to demonstrate your suitability for the job.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect to be asked how you would handle various kitchen scenarios, such as managing a busy service or resolving conflicts within the team. Think through potential challenges and your strategies for overcoming them to show your proactive approach under pressure.

Sous Chef
Summer Lodge Country House Hotel
Location: Dorchester
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