Junior Sous Chef

Job Introduction

Junior Sous Chef - Themis Restaurant, Pennyhill Park

Pennyhill Park in Bagshot, Surrey, part of the Exclusive Collection, is a luxury hotel and spa renowned for its elegance, exceptional service, and attention to detail. Home to a Michelin-starred restaurant, an award-winning spa, and world-class hospitality, it is a place where excellence defines every experience.

We are looking for a passionate and talented Junior Sous Chef to join the culinary team at Themis, our spa restaurant. Themis offers a fresh, healthy, and high-quality dining experience that complements the luxury spa journey. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced chef to work closely with the Head Chef, helping to shape and deliver a food offering that reflects the standards and values of Pennyhill Park and Exclusive Collection.

As Junior Sous Chef, you will play a key role in the day-to-day management of the kitchen, supporting menu development, maintaining exceptional food quality standards, and inspiring and developing the kitchen team. You will be instrumental in ensuring every guest enjoys an outstanding dining experience.

Please note: This role is predominantly daytime based within our spa operation, with flexibility required during summer months and peak trading periods when dining service may extend into the evening.

At Pennyhill Park, we believe in rewarding our team for their passion and dedication. As part of our team, you'll enjoy:

• Competitive pay, plus service charge
• Great rates for stays across all our hotels and 50% discount on Food & Beverage dining
• Free meals while on duty
• Free access to the on-site gym and parking
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing resources
• Exclusive discounts and perks through Hospitality Essentials
• Opportunities for growth, learning, and internal movement within the Exclusive Collection

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in the smooth and efficient operation of the Themis kitchen.
• Assist in curating and developing seasonal menus in line with the spa's dining concept and business objectives.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared, presented and served to the highest standards of quality, consistency and presentation.
• Lead, motivate and support the kitchen team in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Train, coach and develop team members, promoting a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
• Maintain and drive standards across all aspects of the Themis food offering.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene, allergen and HACCP procedures.
• Support the Head Chef in maintaining health and safety standards and ensuring a safe working environment for all team members.
• Assist with stock control, ordering, stock rotation and the minimisation of food waste.
• Monitor productivity and ensure effective kitchen organisation during service.
• Contribute to achieving departmental financial targets through effective cost control and efficient use of resources.
• Work collaboratively with front-of-house teams to deliver an exceptional guest experience.

Person Specification

• Previous experience as a Junior Sous Chef or an experienced Chef de Partie within a quality hotel, restaurant, spa or hospitality environment.
• Strong culinary skills with a passion for fresh, high-quality food and seasonal ingredients.
• Experience supervising, training and developing junior team members.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, hygiene, allergen management and health and safety requirements.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively and perform under pressure.
• Positive attitude, attention to detail and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with a collaborative and supportive approach.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of stock control, waste management and cost efficiency.
• Flexible approach to working hours, particularly during peak trading periods and summer dining operations.

We are a certified B Corp, committed to sustainability and responsible business practices. At Exclusive Collection, we champion wellbeing, progression, and a culture where people who share our values can thrive.

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all individuals with the right to work in the UK. If you require any adjustments during the application process, please let us know.

Apply today and join a team that celebrates creativity, teamwork and genuine care in everything we do.