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Sous Chef - Live in
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Sous Chef - Live in
Sous Chef - Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa
Location: Longfield, Kent, DA3 8NQ
Salary: £44,000 per annum + service charge + excellent colleague benefits
Job Type: Full-time | Permanent | 5 days out of 7
About This Role
Come and join our team at Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa, a proud member of Hand Picked Hotels.
Nestled in the picturesque Kent countryside yet minutes from London, our hotel combines heritage with genuine hospitality. Here, you’ll help deliver exceptional conferences, executive retreats, and unforgettable occasions. Successfully filling this Sous Chef role means becoming part of a dynamic team determined to create magical hospitality experiences.
We seek someone who:
- Thrives in a supportive, collaborative environment.
- Passionate about delivering responsive, high-quality hospitality.
- Proud of meticulous standards and workplace consistency.
At Brandshatch Place, every guest leaves touched by our personalised service, culinary expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Key Responsibilities
As Sous Chef, you’ll play a pivotal role in maintaining the hotel’s reputation for luxury hospitality. Your duties include:
Operational Leadership
- Support the Head Chef in ensuring smooth kitchen execution, upholding the standardised menu across all services.
- Oversee food preparation, presentation, and service during peak operational periods.
- Manage daily kitchen workflows, including staff rotations, station coverage, and plating consistency.
Culinary Support
- Lead culinary team training, reinforcing best practice and demonstrating quality standards.
- Develop and deliver dishes that reflect seasonal produce, creativity, and house specialities while aligning with dietary requirements.
Event & Special Dining
- Coordinate catering needs for weddings, private functions, and conferences, maintaining elegance and precision.
- Support events staff in adapting menus for unique groups and special requests.
Supply & Cost Management
- Work closely with suppliers to source exceptional ingredients while monitoring waste.
- Contribute to stock control, cost analysis, and inventory ordering to maintain financial efficiency.
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Guest Experience
- Ensure every dish delivered meets guest expectations, embodying brand integrity and a commitment to exceptional metrics such as those recognised in Michelin and rosette competitions.
- Act as a brink-at-business ambassador, reflecting passion for exquisite cuisine and memorable service.
Operational hours span 5 days out of 7 (including weekends), with standard shifts of up to 45 hours per week, subject to seasonal demand.
Qualifications & Experience
We are seeking a qualified Sous Chef with:
- Extensive experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef, preferably within a luxury multi-site hotel environment (e.g., rosette-Michelin establishments).
- A proven track record in bespoke dining, private weddings, and ad-hoc event catering.
- Demonstrated ability to handle high-volume operations, team mentorship, and adaptability during pressure points.
- Commitment to innovation alongside a rigorous focus on presentation, flavour, and consistency.
- Strong exposure to European or handpicked culinary traditions, blending classic techniques with creativity.
Critical skills include:
- Exceptional organisational and time management.
- Clear communication to align teams with hotel culture and guest expectations.
- Broader hotel industry awareness, including Norwich Union code practices (if applicable)*.
Candidates must hold a right to work in the United Kingdom.
Why Join Brandshatch Place?
Experience the unique benefits of working at Hand Picked Hotels:
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Career Growth:
- £44,000 annual salary plus a service charge share.
- Progression via in-house and external training (e.g., apprenticeships/courses).
- Pathways to workshop, private event coordination, and menu development leadership.
-
Competitive Perks:
- 28 days holiday (increasing to 33 days) annually.
- Uniforms onboarded, plus meal provision during work hours.
- Exclusive retail discounts through an online platform, plus health and wellness membership perks.
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Work-Life Reward:
- Free spa and gym access (conditions apply).
- Hand Picked Hotel stays with complimentary food, drinks, spa treatments or food & beverage credits.
- 21+ unique wellness initiatives, including:
- Enhanced life cover and pension packages.
- Employee Assistance Programme offering wellbeing support and financial counselling.
- Company pension, enhanced sick pay, and monthly outings/awards for outstanding performance.
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Meaningful Recognition:
- Participation in winter Charterhouse Philanthropy, the charity arm of Hand Picked Hotels.
- Bonuses for guest reviews and colleague referrals foster loyalty.
- Annual Awards Ceremony honouring performance and contribution to team culture.
Our Culture
Hand Picked Hotels is a family-owned enterprise, shaped by ambition and authentic hospitality. Rooted in values such as individuality, care, and community—each of our 21 unique luxury country houses and coastal retreats reflects these ideals.
Central to our mission:
- Inclusivity and team identity: fostering long-term friendships and collaborative excellence.
- Setting industry standards: unsurpassed guest retention (recommendations and return visits).
- Sustainability commitment: earning Green Tourism accreditation, dedicating to responsible sourcing and environmental conservation.
All team members share a collective drive to exceed guest expectations with consistent brilliance.
How to Apply
If you possess a history of exceptional service, culinary creativity, and durability in hotel settings, we invite you to apply now. Your passion for crafting memorable, transgressive guest interactions is your greatest asset.
Hand Picked Hotels is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and welcome candidates from all backgrounds—utility, integrity, and professionalism are our litmus test.
Apply directly via Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa. Your line of sight to professional development within a stylish, collaborative environment awaits.
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