The Chesterton Hotel is looking for a talented and driven Senior Sous Chef to join our growing kitchen team.
This is an exciting opportunity for a chef who takes real pride in fresh food, high standards, clean organisation and consistent execution. We are looking for someone creative and motivated, but also disciplined enough to deliver the same standard every service.
This role is heavily focused on both restaurant service and functions, including weddings, private dining, corporate events and large-scale banqueting. We need someone who is confident working across à la carte service as well as high-volume event prep and execution.
You will work closely with the Head Chef and play a key role in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, supporting menu development, leading service, organising prep, guiding junior chefs and helping maintain the quality and reputation of the hotel’s food offering.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Head Chef in the smooth daily running of the kitchen
- Lead sections during service and help coordinate the wider kitchen team
- Prepare, cook and present dishes to the agreed hotel standard
- Maintain consistency, quality and presentation across all dishes
- Play a key role in the preparation and delivery of weddings, private dining, corporate events and large functions
- Help organise function prep, event timings and kitchen execution for busy event days
- Support the Head Chef with menu development, specials and seasonal ideas
- Assist with stock control, ordering, rotation and waste management
- Ensure all food is stored, labelled and handled correctly
- Keep kitchen records up to date, including fridge temperatures and food safety checks
- Maintain excellent kitchen cleanliness and hygiene standards
- Help train, guide and support junior chefs
- Communicate clearly with the wider hotel, events and front-of-house teams
- Step up and support the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence when required
- Follow all health, safety, fire and food hygiene procedures
What We Are Looking For
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Senior Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef ready to step up
- Experience in hotels, weddings, banqueting, functions or high-volume events is highly desirable
- A genuine passion for fresh food and high standards
- Strong organisation and cleanliness
- Ability to stay calm and focused during busy services and event days
- Good communication and team leadership skills
- Confidence working across restaurant service and function catering
- A creative approach to food, balanced with consistency and discipline
- Good understanding of food hygiene, allergens and kitchen compliance
- Reliability, maturity and a positive attitude
What We Offer
- Salary of £38,000–£40,000 per year, depending on experience
- Service charge
- Opportunity to help shape menus and food direction
- Fresh food kitchen with restaurant, private dining, weddings and events
- Supportive hotel environment with room to grow
- Staff meals while on duty
- Staff discounts
- Free on-site parking
- Pension scheme
About The Chesterton Hotel
The Chesterton Hotel is a boutique hotel near Bicester, offering individually designed bedrooms, restaurant dining, private events, weddings and corporate functions.
Our kitchen supports a varied operation, from day-to-day restaurant service to large weddings and private functions. This role would suit a chef who enjoys variety, structure and the pressure of delivering high standards across both restaurant and event environments.
Schedule
- Full-time
- Weekend availability required
- Flexibility required around weddings, events and functions
Experience
- Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef experience preferred
- Function, hotel, wedding or banqueting experience preferred
- Food hygiene knowledge required
Job Types: Permanent, Full-time
Pay: £38,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Experience:
Work Location: In person
