Sous Chef - Royal Hotel

Job Posted: 8 April 2025

• Contract Term: Permanent
• Location: Ventnor, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: Above industry standards
• Industries: Chefs

Vacancy: Sous Chef – The Royal Hotel, Ventnor

The Royal Hotel is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join our talented kitchen team at the Island’s premier 4 Silver Star luxury hotel. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled chef to work in a dynamic and structured kitchen, preparing exciting dishes to our 2 AA Rosette standard.

About Geranium Restaurant

The Geranium Restaurant at The Royal Hotel has proudly held 2 AA Rosettes for over 30 years. The restaurant has also won a Beautiful South Restaurant of the Year Award for 3 consecutive years and has recently been nominated for a Visit England Award. Our dishes are highly praised by critics, including a 5-star rating from Matt and Cat’s Eating Out Guide. Geranium has also been a hub of development for talented chefs such as Sarah Hayward, who began her career with us before winning the Michelin Young Chef of the Year Award in 2023.

About the Role

We are looking for a passionate and highly motivated Sous Chef with experience in high-level cuisine. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in classic cooking techniques with a modern twist and will have a keen eye for detail. As a key member of the team, you will support Head Chef, Jacob Gough, in delivering an exceptional dining experience for our guests while mentoring junior chefs and ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, train, and develop junior team members.
• Manage the kitchen and oversee the pass, ensuring dishes meet the required standard.
• Source, purchase, and receive ingredients while maintaining cost control.
• Prepare, cook, and present dishes using the finest seasonal and locally sourced produce.
• Execute high-quality banquets and weddings for up to 150 guests.
• Assist the Head Chef in developing seasonal menus and dishes.
• Ensure you and your team uphold the highest standards of food hygiene and sanitation regulations.
• Work five days out of seven, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.

What We Offer

At The Royal Hotel, we pride ourselves on creating a dynamic, engaging, and supportive work environment, where chefs are encouraged to thrive and develop. Our team describes the kitchen as “exciting, structured, and upbeat.” In return for your talent and dedication, we offer:

• Non-seasonal permanent position
• Competitive salary
• Shared monthly tips
• 28 days holiday per year
• Nest Pension Scheme
• A full training plan and induction
• Staff loyalty discount card
• Annual birthday meal voucher
• Discounted car ferry travel

If you are passionate about food and eager to progress in your culinary career at The Royal Hotel, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of our award-winning team!

Please apply with a CV and cover letter to Head Chef Jacob Gough at [email protected] .