Job Description

Job Ref

BES6586

Branch

Lumley Castle

Location

Chester Le Street

Contract type

Permanent

Hours

Full Time

Shift pattern

5 out of 7

Hours per week

45

Date posted

30/07/2025

Closing date

02/10/2025

We currently have an amazing opportunity to join the team as Junior Sous Chef



As a Junior Sous Chef, you will support the Sous Chef and Head Chef in the daily operation of our busy kitchen. You'll help lead the brigade, maintain high standards, and ensure consistency across all dishes--from a la carte to banquets. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and driven chef ready to take the next step in their culinary career.



Bespoke Benefits... What's in it for you?



At Bespoke Hotels, our people are our biggest asset. We focus on engagement and individual development, working with natural strengths and supporting education from a commercial perspective. We create pathways so our people know the direction their careers will head.



We believe that great hospitality can only be delivered by a happy, motivated and engaged team; so this is at the heart of our culture and of our 'Be-Attitude' values.



We are proud to provide equal opportunities for our team members, encouraging inclusive and creative culture, providing long-term careers, supporting community and assisting in environmental matters.



At Bespoke, we ensure meaningful relationships with our colleagues, guests and third-party suppliers, positively celebrating diversity and inclusion within our teams, encouraging collaboration and creativity.



We offer competitive salaries, incentives, ample scope for personal development and discounted hotel stays for you, your family, and friends.





Requirements:



The ideal person will have at least a year's experience in a similar position and will have the ability to deliver great service to our guests.



We are looking for someone who is passionate about hospitality, that is reliable and willing to learn as part of this growing team.


Minimum of 2 years' experience in a high-quality kitchen environment. NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in Professional Cookery (Level 3 desirable). Strong understanding of kitchen operations and health & safety procedures. Passion for delivering high-quality dishes and developing your team. Ability to work under pressure and maintain composure during busy service. Excellent time management and organisational skills. A proactive, can-do attitude with a keen eye for detail.




Duties will include:



Ensure all dishes are prepared using fresh produce, combining contemporary flavours with traditional techniques.

Ensure that the preparation and presentation of the food is of a high standard and complies with food safety regulations.

To support the achievement of budget food gross profit.

To ensure that a high standard of cleanliness is maintained in the Kitchen operation.

To ensure the Company Healthy and safety, food safety and COSHH legislation is adhered.

Assist in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring all food preparation and service meets Lumley Castle's standards.

Supervise and support junior kitchen staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, discipline, and creativity.

Maintain excellent food hygiene and health & safety standards at all times.

Ensure quality and consistency across all sections, including banqueting, restaurant, afternoon tea, and room service.

Support menu development alongside the Sous Chef and Head Chef, incorporating seasonal and local ingredients.

Manage stock rotation and assist with ordering and inventory control.

Lead the kitchen in the absence of senior chefs.



Being Bespoke:



Bespoke Hotels was founded in 2000 and has consistently grown to the point where we now manage over 9,500 hotel rooms, 8,000 employees and 815 million of assets.



We stand today as the UK's Largest Independent Hotel Group, owning a number of hotels and partnering with an ever-increasing portfolio alongside this. Every agreement we have is Bespoke by name, and bespoke by nature. Our properties range from specialist golfing hotels, to award-winning spa resorts and chic city centre properties.



We pride ourselves on a diverse roster and a unique, individualised management style, with over 90 management agreements across the UK, alongside a further 30 management consultancy services, and 100 hotels with sales & marketing services only.



The magnificent spectacle of Lumley Castle dominates the County Durham landscape. Surrounded by beautiful parklands, overlooking the River Wear and Durham County Cricket Ground, Lumley Castle Hotel is a superb monument to a proud history.