About Company
Hawksmoor is an award-winning group of restaurants renowned for serving the best steaks in the world alongside incredible seafood, great wines, and outstanding cocktails. Since opening our first restaurant in Spitalfields in 2006, we’ve grown to several locations across London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and New York, all while maintaining our core values: source ethically, treat our staff like family, and deliver an unforgettable experience to our guests. We are deeply committed to sustainability, working directly with British farmers who share our values, and ensuring our supply chain is transparent and responsible. Our success is built on the passion and dedication of our teams, who thrive in a fast-paced, high-standard environment, pushing culinary boundaries while fostering a supportive and exciting workplace culture. Join Hawksmoor and become part of a team that’s truly passionate about food, drink, and delivering exceptional service.
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Job Description
We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Sous Chef to join our vibrant kitchen team in London. As a Sous Chef at Hawksmoor, you will be an integral part of our culinary leadership, working closely with the Head Chef to oversee all kitchen operations, maintain our exacting standards, and inspire your team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced chef to step up into a role where leadership, creativity, and precision are paramount. You will be responsible for the flawless execution of our renowned menu, ensuring every dish that leaves the pass meets the Hawksmoor benchmark of quality and flavour. You’ll manage sections, train junior chefs, control inventory, and uphold the highest standards of hygiene and food safety. We believe in continuous development, and you’ll have access to extensive training programs designed to hone your skills and advance your career within the Hawksmoor family. If you have a true passion for premium ingredients, a commitment to culinary excellence, and the ability to lead and motivate a talented kitchen brigade in a high-pressure, high-reward environment, we want to hear from you. This role demands excellent organisational skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to thrive under pressure while maintaining a positive and productive atmosphere. Join us and contribute to a kitchen that prides itself on exceptional food and a truly supportive team spirit.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations, including menu planning, food preparation, and cooking.
- Supervise, train, and mentor junior kitchen staff, fostering a positive and high-performance team environment.
- Ensure consistent adherence to Hawksmoor's high standards of food quality, presentation, and taste.
- Manage inventory, minimise waste, and control food costs without compromising on quality.
- Oversee station management, ensuring smooth service flow and efficient production during peak hours.
- Maintain a pristine and organised kitchen environment, strictly adhering to all health, safety, and hygiene regulations.
- Contribute to the development of new dishes and menus, bringing creative ideas to the table.
- Conduct regular quality checks on ingredients and finished products.
- Collaborate with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless guest experiences.
Required Skills
- Proven experience as a Sous Chef or highly experienced Chef de Partie in a high-volume, quality restaurant.
- Exceptional culinary skills with a deep understanding of British and modern European cuisine, particularly meat and seafood cookery.
- Strong leadership and team management abilities, with a track record of motivating and developing staff.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Solid understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations (HACCP, COSHH).
- Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Passion for high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients.
Preferred Qualifications
- NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery or equivalent qualification.
- Experience in a fine dining or Michelin-starred environment.
- Advanced knowledge of butchery and fish preparation techniques.
- Fluency in English with strong written and verbal communication skills.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
- Extensive training and development opportunities, including culinary masterclasses.
- Genuine career progression within a growing and respected restaurant group.
- Generous staff discount across all Hawksmoor restaurants.
- Complimentary staff meals during shifts.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays).
- Opportunities to participate in charity events and community initiatives.
How to Apply
If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge and contribute to a truly exceptional dining experience, we encourage you to apply directly through our careers page. Please click on the application link below to submit your CV and cover letter. We look forward to hearing from you!
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