Sous Chef - Stroud

Job Title: Sous Chef
Establishment: Luxury Hotel & Two Rosette Restaurant
Location: Stroud, Cotswolds
Salary: £32,000 P/A + Service Charge (approx. £3,500 per year)
Hours: Permanent, 40 hours per week

Pineapple Recruitment is partnering with an exceptional four-star boutique hotel in the heart of the Cotswolds, featuring breathtaking views of Stroud Valley. Their award-winning, two-rosette restaurant is dedicated to showcasing locally sourced ingredients, with produce grown in their own kitchen gardens. The restaurant is renowned for its seasonal menus, exquisite afternoon teas, and outdoor fire cooking experiences, including pizzas in their garden restaurant.

The Opportunity:
My client are seeking a passionate and ambitious Sous Chef who thrives in a dynamic kitchen environment. Working closely with the Head Chef, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the restaurant’s reputation and transitioning it from a "hotel with a restaurant" to a "restaurant with rooms." You will contribute to securing further accolades, organising unique dining events, and promoting the restaurant through social media and marketing initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in fine dining, a passion for farm-to-fork cuisine, and the ability to balance creativity with cost-efficiency. This role offers a unique opportunity to be part of an evolving culinary destination while working with sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Head Chef to strengthen the restaurant’s concept and elevate its culinary reputation.

• Develop and manage relationships with local farmers and suppliers to source high-quality ingredients.

• Assist in the creation of innovative, seasonal menus that reflect relaxed dining as well as special occasions.

• Ensure food costs are managed effectively, maintaining a GP target of 70% while reducing waste.

• Lead the kitchen team in the Head Chef’s absence, including attending head-of-department meetings.

• Supervise and mentor the kitchen brigade, fostering growth and ensuring high standards of food preparation.

• Oversee kitchen hygiene, health & safety regulations, and stock control to maintain industry-leading standards.

• Support marketing efforts by creating content for social media, particularly the restaurant’s Instagram, to showcase the food and its provenance.

• Play a key role in securing Good Food Guide and Bib Gourmand listings, with the long-term aim of achieving a third rosette.

• Assist in planning and leading culinary events, including outdoor fire cooking and "Back Patio" dining experiences.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Experience working in a 2-rosette or higher standard kitchen, or demonstrable culinary creativity and knowledge of farm-to-fork dining.

• Proven experience in leading a kitchen team with strong organisational and leadership skills.

• Ability to cook across multiple styles of cuisine, demonstrating versatility and innovation.

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or a strong Junior Sous Chef looking to take the next step.

• In-depth knowledge of stock management, hygiene standards, and cost control.

• Strong understanding of sustainability in food sourcing and a passion for local, seasonal ingredients.

• Confident in menu planning and capable of delivering exceptional food experiences for a range of dining styles.

• Comfortable with social media and marketing efforts to promote the restaurant’s unique food story.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience, plus a generous service charge.

• Opportunity to work in an award-winning, sustainability-driven kitchen.

• Career development and mentorship within a high-calibre culinary team.

• Employee discounts on dining, hotel stays, and wellness experiences.

• Work in a stunning countryside setting with a focus on work-life balance.

If you are a creative, driven, and talented Sous Chef ready to make an impact in a progressive and sustainable kitchen, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now through Pineapple Recruitment to be part of an exciting culinary journey in the heart of the Cotswolds.