Sous Chef - Seabird

We are looking for a Sous Chef to join the pre-opening of SLS The Red Sea.

Ennismore, with its luxury brand SLS Hotels, is currently opening a magnificent project in the oasis that is The Red Sea. SLS The Red Sea is planned to open in 2025.

Introducing the newest gem of dazzling luxury to reach The Red Sea project: resort offers 150 luxurious keys, complemented by an impressive array of 7 distinct Food & Beverage outlets and a rejuvenating spa sanctuary. Catering to both adults seeking a getaway and families craving connection and some adventure, this hotel brings a wonderland of extraordinary experiences to The Red Sea, providing an array of amenities and activities tailored for travelers of all ages.

This project is not for the faint at heart.  At Ennismore, we are ambitious, and this project is a perfect example of that.  If you are looking to make your mark as we expand further into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, build an exciting hotel with lots to offer, and curate the team with some of the best and brightest in the lifestyle and luxury hospitality space, this might just be the right fit for you.

Job Title: Sous Chef
Department: Culinary / Kitchen
Reports to: Chef de cuisine / Director of Culinary

Position Summary:

The Sous Chef supports the Chef de cuisine in managing all daily kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency across the dining outlets. This role involves supervising kitchen staff, overseeing daily food preparation, maintaining hygiene and safety protocols, and assisting in consistency, efficiency and cost control. The Sous Chef plays a vital leadership role in delivering a refined culinary experience, in the allocated responsible area, while fostering a culture of excellence and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic & Culinary Leadership

• Support the Chef de cuisine to execute innovative menus that reflect the restaurant’s concept and seasonal availability considering sustainability commitments.
• Ensure high standards of food preparation and presentation across all kitchen sections.
• Assist the Chef de cuisine to monitor recipe standards, portion sizes and maintain consistency of the quality accordingly.
• Lead daily kitchen operations and supervise culinary staff.

People Management

• Support to train, schedule, coach and mentor kitchen personnel.
• Understand the Job Descriptions and responsibilities of subordinates in the outlet or involved in the outlet.
• Attend training and development programs as and when required, improving performance, and promoting the development of the team.
• Provide ongoing coaching and performance evaluations.
• Evaluate objectively the performance of subordinates and conduct periodically appraisals.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and high-performance kitchen culture.

Operations & Cost Control

• Uphold all the food policies and procedures in the kitchen and ensures compliance.
• Monitor food cost to ensure profitability.
• Maintain accurate inventory records; oversee ordering.
• Ensure efficient use of resources and minimize food waste.
• Oversee equipment conditions and report deficiencies accordingly.

Compliance & Safety

• Enforce strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards.
• Maintain compliance with local health regulations and food handling policies.
• Conduct regular kitchen inspections and ensure readiness for health inspections.

Collaboration & Guest Experience

• Work closely with front-of-house management to ensure cohesive service and guest satisfaction.
• Handle special dietary requests, VIP services, and menu modifications as needed.
• Maintain a strong presence during service and interact with guests when appropriate.

• Degree in Culinary Arts or related field preferred
• Experience in 5-star luxury hotel / high-quality standalone restaurant
• Minimum 7+ years of culinary experience, with at least 3 years in a Chef de partie or similar leadership role
• Proven track record in kitchen management, and team leadership
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations and culinary techniques
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Passionate about food, innovation, and guest experience
• Physically able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 20kg

What's in it for you...

• The opportunity to join an innovative, fast-growing, international group that’s committed to not just building new hotels but building a global brand.
• The chance to challenge the norm and work in an environment that is both creative and rewarding.
• Become part of a team that’s very passionate about creating great hospitality experiences and exploring new locations at every opportunity.
• A competitive package and plenty of opportunity for development.
• Excellent discounts across the entire Ennismore family of brands.

SLS is part of Ennismore, a creative hospitality company rooted in culture and community, with a global collection of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Ennismore is a joint- venture with Accor, formed in 2021.