Elite Pubs is a group of characterful dining pubs across Kent and East Sussex, each steeped in history and set within beautiful surroundings. We're passionate about creating memorable dining experiences built on outstanding service, seasonal menus, and fresh, locally sourced produce.
We're looking for a talented Senior Sous Chef to join our team at our newly renovated site. The Dirty Habit in Hollingbourne. This is an exciting opportunity to work with the Head Chef in a brand new kitchen featuring a Josper and pizza oven, and play a key role in delivering outstanding seasonal dishes while supporting the Head Chef with the smooth running of a busy, high quality kitchen. If you thrive in a fast‑paced kitchen, love seasonal cooking, this could be the role for you.
Annual Salary £31,700.00 pa + tronc (estimated earnings up to £41,700.00 pa with tronc) - 48 hours per week
⭐ What You’ll Be Doing
- Support the Head Chef in leading daily kitchen operations.
- Take charge of service in their absence, ensuring consistency and high standards.
- Contribute to the creation and delivery of seasonal menus using fresh, local produce.
- Oversee food preparation, cooking, and presentation with precision and care.
- Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards.
- Help manage stock, ordering, and cost control.
- Train, mentor, and motivate junior chefs to build a strong, cohesive team.
- Work collaboratively with front‑of‑house teams to deliver a seamless guest experience.
⭐ What You’ll Bring
- Proven experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous ready to step up.
- A passion for seasonal cooking and local ingredients.
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire a team.
- Solid understanding of food safety and kitchen best practices.
- Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
- A positive attitude, great communication skills, and a hands‑on approach.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing menus and service demands.
'Benefits
- £1000.00 sign on (T&C's apply, eligible after 6 months continuous service)
- Internal training and development plans, supported by our exec team
- Birthday off guaranteed,
- 50% discount off food when visiting with friends & family (T&C’s apply)
- 25% off bedrooms (T&C’s apply)
- 60% discount off the menu when on shift, no restrictions
- 15% discount off Wildshark products, still and sparkling wines and gins (Not available on Ecommerce)
- 15% discount off all tours and experiences at the Wildshark Vineyard for up to 6 people (T&C’s apply)
- A personal invitation to our staff reward event
- Incentives, reward & recognition trips
- Refer a friend and Chef recruitment incentives of up to £1.5k (T&C’s apply)
- Long service recognition rewards (extra paid holidays & monetary vouchers)
- Company pension
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £31,700.00-£41,700.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Maidstone ME17: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Do you hold valid right to work in the UK?
Experience:
- Sous Chef: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
