Junior Sous Chef

We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated, reliable Junior Sous Chef.

About us: Part of Iconic Hotels & Resorts, The Lensbury is located on the Banks of the River Thames at Teddington and is home to an exclusive leisure club, a 155 bedroom hotel, meeting and events space, restaurant and bar, Spa and 25 acres of gardens and grounds.

The Role: The Junior Sous Chef supports the senior kitchen managers in the efficient, professional and safe operation of the kitchen. The role focuses on delivering consistently high-quality food, maintaining excellent hygiene and safety standards, and supporting the development and performance of the kitchen team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take an active role in the day-to-day management of the kitchen, leading sections during preparation and service, and ensuring standards are delivered consistently under pressure.
• Ensure food preparation, presentation and service consistently meet company, brand and food safety standards.
• Take accountability for the quality, consistency and presentation of all food leaving the kitchen.
• Drive consistent delivery of food standards in line with brand and food safety requirements.
• Support the implementation of menus, recipes and specifications, ensuring portion control and minimal waste.
• Ensure high standards of cleanliness, organisation and hygiene are maintained across the kitchen operation.
• Manage stock, supporting effective cost control and minimal waste and take ownership of accurate stock handling, rotation and portion control within your area.
• Participate in stocktakes and take prompt action to resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure all purchasing is within budget and company guidelines.
• Contribute to achieving departmental food GP targets.
• Act as a role model in the kitchen, demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and a strong work ethic.
• Ensure staffing levels are in line with departmental rotas, adjusting to meet business requirements.
• Assist in training, mentoring, and developing junior team members, fostering a positive and productive working environment.
• Address minor performance issues and provide constructive feedback to support team development, liaising with HR where required.
• Assist management with employee job chats, probation reviews and performance discussions when required, providing feedback and support.
• Build positive and effective working relationships with front-of-house and wider operational teams.
• Identify and report maintenance, safety or operational issues promptly.

Health, Safety & Food Hygiene:

• Ensure compliance with all food safety, health & safety, COSHH and company policies.
• Maintain excellent personal hygiene and ensure correct uniform standards are followed both personally and by your team.
• Adhere to the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and all internal safety procedures.
• Support food hygiene training compliance and safe systems of work.
• Follow company emergency, accident and fire procedures at all times.

What we're looking for:

To be successful in this role, you must possess the following qualifications, attitude, behaviours, skills, and values:

• Proven experience in a professional kitchen environment at Chef de Partie or equivalent level.
• Strong understanding of food hygiene, health & safety and kitchen best practice.
• Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure.
• High standards of organisation, attention to detail and consistency.
• Passion for food quality, service excellence and continuous improvement.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings, weekends and events.

Desirable:

• Level 3 Food Safety Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience in hotel, high-volume or banqueting environments.
• Desire to progress to a Sous Chef role.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Staff Discounts at The Lensbury and across some Iconic Hotels & Resorts properties.
• Use of some leisure facilities, including gym & swimming pool.
• EAP with 24/7 helpline for you and your family.
• Benefits portal with Hospitality Rewards, offering discounts across major brands.
• Staff Awards and Social events throughout the year.
• Free meals whilst on duty.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Free parking.
• Refer a Friend programme.
• Paid annual leave of 28 days including public holidays.
• Access to professional development and training.
• A vibrant, supportive team culture in a stunning riverside location.

The Lensbury Club: Londons Riverside Resort. The Lensbury's exclusive leisure club, hotel and conference centre sits in extensive grounds on the banks of the Thames in Teddington, south west London. Our members can take care of their wellness by working out in the Lockside gym and studios, playing tennis or pickleball on our courts, boating on the river launched from our specialist Watersports Centre, or relaxing in our extensive grounds. After catching up on emails in our co-working spaces, they can recharge with a coffee and light snack from our deli or something more substantial in our Club House restaurant. Visitors to the area can enjoy an overnight stay in one of the elegant hotel bedrooms, with access to The Lensbury's facilities, enhanced by the location and beautiful surroundings. For business, The Lensbury provides a captivating backdrop away from the hustle and bustle of central London. It's an ideal setting for a whole host of business events, from meetings and conferences to team building and company away-days.