Sous Chef

• Job Ref: KGH11503
• Branch: Mercure Milton Keynes
• Location: Mercure Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes
• Salary/Benefits: Competitive Salary
• Contract type: Permanent
• Hours: Full Time
• Shift pattern: 1400-2300
• Hours per week: 40
• Posted date: 02/04/2026

Closing date: 02/05/2026 Working closely with the Head Chef, you’ll play a key role in leading the kitchen team, maintaining high culinary standards and ensuring every dish meets our quality and presentation expectations. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is ready to step up and make an impact.

This role is part of the hotel’s kitchen team and offers the opportunity to develop your leadership skills while contributing to a high-performing operation.

About the Role

You’ll support the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring smooth operations, consistent quality, and a strong team culture.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the Head Chef in managing kitchen operations, ensuring efficient workflow and high standards at all times.
• Leading, coaching and developing kitchen team members, sharing knowledge on techniques, presentation and food safety.
• Overseeing food preparation and service to ensure consistency, quality and presentation meet brand standards.
• Supporting menu development, bringing fresh ideas and creativity while incorporating seasonal ingredients and trends.
• Managing kitchen stock, including ordering, receiving and storage to minimise waste and maintain freshness.
• Monitoring food costs and supporting initiatives to meet budget targets without compromising quality.
• Conducting stock checks and ensuring correct storage and rotation of ingredients.
• Maintaining strict compliance with food safety, hygiene and health safety standards.
• Ensuring the kitchen environment remains clean, organised and audit-ready at all times.

About You

You’re a passionate and hands-on chef who leads by example, with a strong eye for detail and a commitment to delivering consistently high standards.

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Strong culinary knowledge with experience across a range of cooking techniques and cuisines.
• Previous experience in a supervisory or Sous Chef role within a busy kitchen.
• Excellent leadership and team development skills.
• High attention to detail with a passion for quality and presentation.
• The ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• A proactive, positive approach and a desire to continuously improve.

Benefits

Our rewards package includes:

• Discounted hotel stays around the globe, with food and beverage discounts.
• Attractive discounts across many major retailers, restaurants, and events.
• FREE and UNLIMITED access to our Leisure Clubs (gym, pool, steam rooms).
• Personal and career development
• Round the clock access to the Employee Assistance programme, offering mental health and wellbeing support, financial and legal advice.

Next Steps A member of our team will be in touch to arrange a 15-minute phone conversation with shortlisted candidates. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the role and for us to understand your experience in more detail. If successful at this stage, you will be invited to meet with the Hiring Manager.

We review applications as they come in, so apply early to avoid missing out. We may close the role once we’ve found the right person.

At Kew Green Hotels, we’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know at recruitment@kewgreenhotels.com – we’re here to support you.

Who are Kew Green Hotels?

Kew Green Hotels is one of the UK’s leading hotel management companies, operating a diverse portfolio of global brands. We’re a people-driven business that’s passionate about performance, guest experience, and creating hotels and teams that make us proud.

Learn more about who we are and what drives us at www.kewgreenhotels.com.