Senior Sous Chef
Burgh Island Hotel & The Pilchard Inn, Devon
£45,000 - £48,000 DOE + Monthly Gratuities
Full-Time, Permanent (48 hours per week)
Lead with Passion. Inspire Excellence. Create Something Iconic.
This is a rare opportunity to join one of the UK's most iconic hospitality destinations at an exciting point in its culinary journey.
Burgh Island is home to three celebrated dining experiences: The Grand Ballroom and The Nettlefold, and the historic Pilchard Inn. Together, they offer guests everything from refined fine dining to exceptional coastal hospitality, all set against one of the most breathtaking backdrops in the country.
We are seeking an ambitious, talented and inspiring Senior Sous Chef to work alongside Executive Head Chef Dave and our dedicated brigade. This is more than a leadership role; it is an opportunity to help shape menus, develop people, champion standards, and contribute to creating memorable and iconic dining experiences that reflect the unique character of Burgh Island.
About the Role
As Senior Sous Chef, you will play a pivotal role in the day-to-day leadership of the kitchen operation, supporting the Executive Head Chef in delivering exceptional food across both venues.
You will lead by example, ensuring consistency, quality and professionalism at every stage of service, whilst mentoring and developing the next generation of chefs within the brigade.
From elegant tasting experiences within the Hotel to vibrant, high-volume service at The Pilchard Inn, you will thrive in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Executive Head Chef in the overall management and leadership of the kitchen operation
- Lead and inspire the brigade, creating a positive, professional and high-performing culture
- Ensure consistently exceptional food quality, presentation and guest satisfaction
- Drive standards of food safety, hygiene, cleanliness and compliance
- Assist with menu development, seasonal changes and new culinary initiatives
- Manage stock control, ordering, wastage and gross profit targets
- Oversee service delivery and kitchen organisation during the Executive Head Chef's absence
- Coach, train and develop junior chefs, apprentices and kitchen team members
- Work collaboratively across both kitchens to support operational success
- Champion continuous improvement, innovation and attention to detail throughout the culinary operation
- Closely manage kitchen budgets, including monitoring waste, as well as food and labour costs.
What We're Looking For
- Previous experience as a Senior Sous Chef, Sous Chef or equivalent leadership role within a quality hotel, restaurant or hospitality environment
- Strong culinary skills with a passion for fresh, seasonal and locally sourced produce
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop kitchen teams
- Excellent organisational, communication and time-management skills
- Calm and confident leadership under pressure
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of kitchen financial controls
- A genuine passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences
- A desire to contribute to the ongoing growth and success of an ambitious culinary operation
Working Hours & Flexibility
- Shifts scheduled on a rota basis.
- Weekends and bank holidays form part of the working schedule.
- Due to the nature of island operations, flexibility is occasionally required to support business needs.
Accommodation
- Live-in accommodation may be available within our subsidised staff housing (subject to availability at the time of offer).
Important to Know
- Due to our remote island location, live-out applicants must have a car and valid driving licence.
- You must have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.
Why Join Burgh Island?
- Work somewhere truly iconic with a proud hospitality heritage.
- Join Executive Head Chef Dave and an ambitious brigade at an exciting stage of development.
- Opportunity to influence menus, standards and the future direction of the culinary offering.
- Competitive salary, monthly gratuities and paid overtime.
- Delicious staff meals whilst on duty.
- Staff discounts across the property.
- Employee wellbeing support and assistance programmes.
- Ongoing training, development and career progression opportunities.
- Be part of a team that takes pride in creating unforgettable guest experiences in one of the UK's most extraordinary settings.
If you are a passionate chef leader looking for a role that combines creativity, excellence and opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: £45,000.00-£48,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
Work Location: In person
