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- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, create delicious dishes, and ensure smooth daily operations.
- Company: Join a vibrant hospitality team at stunning seafront hotels in Paignton.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounted stays, flexible hours, and free meals on duty.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for creativity and career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team delivering exceptional food experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced kitchens and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31200 - 41600 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Sous Chef to join our growing kitchen team across the Mercure Paignton and ibis Styles Paignton. This is a fantastic opportunity for a chef who is passionate about quality food, enjoys leading from the front, and is ready to take on a key role within a busy multi-site kitchen operation.
Working closely with the Head Chef, you’ll help drive standards, support menu development, and play an important part in the continued growth of our food offering across both hotels. Located on the stunning Paignton seafront, the Mercure Paignton Hotel and ibis Styles Paignton offer one of the most exciting hospitality environments in the area. With panoramic sea views, vibrant restaurants, busy bars, and a strong mix of leisure and business guests, our hotels are continuing to grow and build a reputation for great food, great service, and memorable stays.
Our team works across both hotels, creating a collaborative and supportive environment where departments work closely together and everyone plays a part in delivering exceptional guest experiences. From relaxed breakfasts overlooking the bay to busy evening service and large events, no two days are the same. Our vision is to become Devon’s most welcoming hotels, delivering outstanding hospitality, great food, and experiences that guests love to return to.
At The Mercure and the Ibis Styles Paignton we are managed by RBH management. We believe our people are our biggest assets and understand the value in putting them first. Our approach to diversity in the workplace, health & wellbeing, sustainability, and individuality sets us apart from our competitors and is one of the reasons we are rated Top 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality!
We are passionate about the industry and always on the lookout for new talent to join us on our journey. At our hotels, we believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. We provide ongoing training, career development opportunities, and a chance to work alongside a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional service.
OUR BENEFITS
- Discounted hotel room rates for you and your friends & family
- An additional days leave for your birthday
- Enhanced Maternity, adoption & shared parental leave
- Course Sponsorship
- 30% F&B discount at RBH hotels
- Refer a Friend scheme (earn £250 for each referral up to 5 referrals)
- Flexible working arrangements
- Wagestream - choose how and when you get paid
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Social and wellness events and activities all year round
- Free meals on duty saving you over £1000 per year
- £15.50 per hour on a 40 hours per week contract
- And much much more!
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A SOUS CHEF AT OUR HOTEL
What you'll be doing...
- Step up as the right‑hand to the Head Chef, bringing creativity, precision, and passion to every dish that leaves the kitchen.
- Take charge of daily kitchen operations, ensuring prep, cooking, and service run smoothly and efficiently.
- Lead and inspire the kitchen team, sharing your culinary expertise, mentoring junior chefs, and creating a collaborative, upbeat environment.
- Play a key role in menu development, experimenting with new flavours and seasonal ingredients to keep the offerings fresh and exciting.
- Monitor inventory, oversee ordering, and manage stock levels, making sure the kitchen is always prepared for a flawless service.
- Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, and consistency, ensuring every dish meets our top‑notch expectations.
- Uphold rigorous hygiene, safety, and cleanliness standards, creating a safe and organised workspace for the whole team.
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
- A skilled chef with experience in a fast‑paced kitchen and a passion for great food.
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and develop the team while maintaining high standards.
- Creativity and a love for experimenting with new flavours, contributing fresh ideas to the menu.
- Excellent organisational abilities, from managing inventory to keeping the kitchen workflow smooth.
- A sharp eye for detail, ensuring presentation and quality are consistently top‑tier.
- A team player with a positive attitude, ready to jump in wherever needed to support the kitchen.
- High energy and adaptability, thriving in a dynamic environment where every day brings new challenges.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
RBH Hospitality Management is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people‑first culture.
Sous Chef in Paignton employer: The Mercure Paignton-Kitchen
Contact Detail:
The Mercure Paignton-Kitchen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Paignton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen vibe! Before applying, pop into the hotels for a casual chat with the team. This shows your interest and helps you understand their culture better.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary creativity! When you get the chance to meet the Head Chef or team, share some of your unique dish ideas. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for food and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on social media or at local events. They can give you insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities right there, making it super easy for us to connect.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Paignton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you in the kitchen. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but someone who truly enjoys creating amazing dishes.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to mention any past experiences where you've motivated or mentored others. We’re looking for someone who can inspire their colleagues and keep the kitchen running smoothly!
Be Creative with Your Application: Don’t be afraid to show off your creativity in your written application! Whether it’s through unique examples of your culinary experiments or innovative ideas for menu development, we love seeing fresh perspectives that can elevate our food offerings.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to showcase your skills and passion right from the start. Let’s get your journey with us underway!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Mercure Paignton-Kitchen
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Brush up on your culinary techniques and be ready to discuss your experience in a fast-paced kitchen. Be prepared to share specific examples of dishes you've created or menu items you've developed, as this will show your passion for quality food.
✨Show Off Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll need to lead and inspire the kitchen team. Think of examples where you've successfully mentored junior chefs or improved team dynamics. Highlighting your leadership style will demonstrate that you're ready to take on this key role.
✨Be Creative with Your Ideas
Since the role involves menu development, come prepared with a few creative ideas or flavour combinations you’d love to experiment with. This shows your enthusiasm for contributing fresh ideas and keeps the conversation engaging.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Talk about how you manage inventory and ensure smooth kitchen operations. Share any systems or processes you've implemented in previous roles to keep things running efficiently, as this is crucial for success in a busy multi-site kitchen.