Sous Chef

Company Description

Join us at Accor, where life pulses with passion!

As a pioneering leader in the art of responsible hospitality, the Accor Group gathers more than 45 brands, 5,600 hotels, 10,000 restaurants, and lifestyle destinations in 110 countries. While each brand has its own personality, where you will be able to truly find yourself, they all share a common ambition: to keep innovating and challenging the status quo.

By joining us, you will become a Heartist, because hospitality is, first and foremost, a work of heart.

You will join a caring environment and a team where you can be all you are. You will be in a supportive place to grow, to fulfill yourself, to discover other professions and to pursue career opportunities, in your hotel or in other hospitality environments, in your country or anywhere in the world!

You will enjoy exclusive benefits, specific to the sector and beyond, as well as strong recognition for your daily commitment.

Everything you will do with us, regardless of your profession, will offer a deep sense of meaning, to create lasting, memorable and impactful experiences for your customers, for your colleagues, and for the planet.

Hospitality is a work of heart,
Join us and become a Heartist .

Job Description

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Sous Chef to join our culinary team here at the Mercure Brands Hatch Hotel & Spa in Kent. The ideal candidate will have a passion for cooking and a strong background in kitchen management. As a Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Head Chef in overseeing the kitchen operations, ensuring the quality and consistency of dishes, and maintaining a clean and organised workspace. You will also be involved in menu planning, inventory management, and staff training. The role requires excellent leadership skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene. You will be expected to step in and take charge in the absence of the Head Chef, making this a critical role in our kitchen hierarchy. The successful candidate will have a keen eye for detail, a creative approach to problem-solving, and the ability to inspire and motivate the kitchen team. If you are passionate about food and have the skills and experience to excel in this role, we would love to hear from you. Live-in accommodation is available for a small charge.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations.
• Oversee food preparation and cooking processes.
• Ensure the quality and consistency of dishes.
• Maintain a clean and organised kitchen.
• Assist in menu planning and development.
• Manage inventory and order supplies as needed.
• Train and supervise kitchen staff.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
• Monitor kitchen equipment and report any maintenance needs.
• Collaborate with the Head Chef to create new recipes.
• Handle customer feedback and make necessary adjustments.
• Coordinate with front-of-house staff to ensure smooth service.
• Assist in cost control and budget management.
• Prepare and plate dishes to the highest standards.
• Manage kitchen staff schedules and shifts.
• Conduct regular kitchen inspections and audits.
• Assist in catering and special event planning.
• Stay updated on industry trends and culinary techniques.
• Ensure proper storage and labeling of ingredients.
• Handle any kitchen emergencies or issues promptly.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or similar role.
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques and recipes.
• Excellent leadership and management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organisational and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene.
• Creative and innovative approach to menu planning.
• Ability to train and mentor kitchen staff.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and a keen eye for quality.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods and lift heavy items.
• Knowledge of kitchen equipment and maintenance.
• Ability to handle customer feedback professionally.
• Experience in inventory management and cost control.
• Passion for food and culinary excellence.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team.
• Strong time management skills.

Additional Information

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.