Senior Sous Chef Opportunity

The Royal Hotel, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

Competitive salary

The Royal Hotel in Ventnor is seeking an experienced, talented and ambitious Senior Sous Chef to join the kitchen team at one of the UK’s most highly regarded food destination hotels.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a senior role within a landmark 4 Silver Star Isle of Wight hotel, working closely with the Head Chef to help lead, develop and inspire the kitchen team.

At the heart of our food offering is The Geranium Restaurant, which has held 2 AA Rosettes for 30 years and has been a Beautiful South award winner for 4 consecutive years. Alongside fine dining, we offer relaxed lunches, seasonal classics, light bites, afternoon tea, breakfast service, weddings and events, and a popular Sunday lunch each week.

We are looking for a Senior Sous Chef with strong experience in a high-quality kitchen environment, ideally at 2 AA Rosette level or similar. The successful candidate will have a passion for seasonal produce, a keen eye for detail and the ability to help deliver a consistently first-class food offering.

This role would suit a chef who is confident, organised and hands-on, with the ability to support the Head Chef in leading services, developing menus, maintaining standards and encouraging a positive kitchen culture.

About the role

As Senior Sous Chef, you will support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen operation, helping to ensure excellent standards across all areas of food preparation, service and presentation.

You will be expected to take responsibility during service, run the pass when required, support ordering and stock control, and help maintain a well-organised, calm and efficient kitchen.

This is a full-time role, working 5 days a week, including evenings, weekends and public holidays.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in a senior chef role within a high-quality kitchen
• A background in hotel, restaurant or fine dining environments
• The ability to cook and present dishes to a 2 AA Rosette standard or similar
• Strong organisation and communication skills
• A calm, professional and hands-on approach
• The ability to lead, motivate and develop junior chefs
• Confidence running sections and leading service when required
• A good understanding of food hygiene and kitchen standards

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the Head Chef with the daily running of the kitchen
• Preparing, cooking and presenting dishes to a consistently high standard
• Assisting with seasonal menu development and new dishes
• Running the pass and leading service when required
• Training, supporting and developing junior members of the brigade
• Maintaining excellent food hygiene and kitchen organisation
• Supporting ordering, stock control and cost awareness
• Helping to create a positive, focused and professional kitchen environment

What we offer:

• Competitive salary, depending on experience and suitability
• The opportunity to work within one of the Isle of Wight’s most respected kitchens
• A supportive leadership team and committed ownership
• Friendly and professional working environment
• Training, development and progression opportunities
• Staff discounts on hotel products and services
• Staff discounts on ferry travel
• Uniform provided
• 28 days’ holiday
• Nest Pension scheme
• Staff meals
• Temporary live-in accommodation options may be available

At The Royal Hotel, we recognise the importance of a balanced and supportive working environment within hospitality. We are committed to ensuring our team receives the support, guidance and respect they need both at work and at home.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Senior Sous Chef who wants to develop their career, work with excellent produce and be part of a dedicated team with a proud culinary reputation.

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to [email protected]

Vacancy: Kitchen Porter – The Royal Hotel

The Royal Hotel is seeking kitchen porters to join our talented kitchen team at the Island’s premier 4 Silver Star luxury hotel. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic and structured kitchen, being a part of our 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 4 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, now Head Chef of 2 Michelin Starred, Hand & Flowers.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a willingness to learn, and do so to to some of the highest standards. We have a proven track record of developing a skills and abilities, and you will have the chance to absorb knowledge from some of the best chefs and largest kitchens on the Isle of Wight.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness both inside and outside the kitchen.
• Ensure you and your team uphold the highest standards of food hygiene.
• Assist the Head Chef in maintaining an efficient workspace.
• Respond to requirements of chefs and front of house to ensure smooth service.
• Maintain and look after kitchen equipment.

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:

• 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

Please note: We do not currently offer live-in arrangements. Permanent positions are dependent on a successful probation period.

We’re looking for candidates who ideally have experience working in a similar role, however training will be provided for a candidate new to the role.

Please apply with a CV and cover letter to Head Chef Jacob Gough at [email protected] . Note that applications without CV and cover letter may not be considered, and applications may be assumed unsuccessful if no contact is made a week beyond the adverts closing date.