Sous Chef – Contemporary British Cuisine & European Bistro Culture at Kimpton Sevn Dubai (Pre-Opening)

Overview

• A Role That Brings Heritage, Craft & Culinary Excellence Together – The Apsley Identity
• At Kimpton Sevn Dubai, Apsley is more than a restaurant—it is a contemporary dining destination inspired by the elegance of British aristocratic tradition and the warmth of European bistro culture.
• Inspired by Apsley House, the historic London residence of the First Duke of Wellington, known as "Number One, London," the concept reflects timeless sophistication, understated luxury, and exceptional hospitality.
• The menu seamlessly blends contemporary British cuisine with Mediterranean influences, evolving throughout the day from breakfast to dinner.
• We are looking for a **Sous Chef** who can support this vision through exceptional execution, operational leadership, and culinary excellence while working closely alongside the Chef de Cuisine.
• You are not only supporting a kitchen—you are helping shape an experience that balances heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary relevance.
• One Kitchen.
• One Heritage.
• One Timeless Experience.
• At Apsley, dining is elegant, welcoming, and thoughtfully curated.
• As Sous Chef, you help ensure:
• Exceptional execution of contemporary British and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine
• Consistent delivery of refined dishes rooted in quality and craftsmanship
• Strong daily leadership and support of the kitchen brigade
• Seamless execution across all meal periods and service occasions
• You help create a kitchen defined by precision, consistency, and timeless hospitality.

Why This Role Matters

• The Apsley represents a modern interpretation of British dining culture.
• In this role, you support the Chef de Cuisine by:
• Delivering the Apsley's culinary philosophy through daily execution
• Supervising kitchen operations and maintaining culinary standards
• Supporting brigade development, engagement, and performance
• Ensuring consistency across breakfast, lunch, afternoon, and dinner experiences
• Maintaining operational discipline while fostering creativity and collaboration
• You are a key contributor to the success of the dining experience every day.
• Be the Leader Behind the Experience
• You are organised, hands-on, and passionate about culinary excellence.
• Through your leadership, you will:
• Support the daily operation of the Apsley kitchen
• Lead service periods and ensure smooth kitchen execution
• Supervise food preparation, presentation, and quality standards
• Coach and develop junior culinary talent
• Maintain consistency, efficiency, and professionalism throughout service
• Your influence helps shape the guest experience with every service.

Bring Culinary Heritage to Life

• Execute menus that celebrate British and Mediterranean influences.

Support a High-Performing Kitchen Brigade

• Develop talent and foster a culture of learning and collaboration.

Maintain Operational Excellence

• Uphold quality, consistency, and food safety standards.

Deliver Memorable Dining Experiences

• Ensure every dish reflects the identity and standards of Apsley.

The Gig

• Reporting to the Chef de Cuisine, the Sous Chef supports the leadership of the Apsley kitchen at Kimpton Sevn Dubai, helping deliver a sophisticated, contemporary, and memorable dining experience.
• The Opportunity: Be part of a signature restaurant inspired by British heritage and European bistro culture
• The Focus: Culinary execution, operational excellence, and team development
• The Impact: Help create a dining experience that is elegant, approachable, and consistently exceptional
• You will play a critical role in bringing the Apsley vision to life.

Stay Human

• At Kimpton, timeless hospitality is always personal.
• In this role, you will:
• Lead with professionalism, integrity, and positivity
• Support a culture of collaboration, learning, and respect
• Encourage craftsmanship, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Bring energy and passion into every service
• Every plate reflects the spirit of Apsley—elegant, refined, and welcoming.

Your Day-to-Day

Kitchen Operations

• Support daily culinary operations across all meal periods
• Ensure smooth service execution from breakfast through dinner
• Maintain consistency in flavour, presentation, and quality standards

Culinary Leadership

• Supervise, train, and motivate culinary team members
• Conduct daily briefings and service preparations
• Support team engagement and performance management

Menu Execution & Quality Control

• Execute contemporary British and Mediterranean-inspired menus
• Ensure consistency and attention to detail across all dishes
• Maintain strict quality and presentation standards

Cost Control & Kitchen Management

• Assist with food cost management and inventory control
• Monitor wastage and support purchasing procedures
• Maintain productivity while upholding premium standards

Hygiene & Compliance

• Maintain HACCP, food safety, and hygiene standards
• Ensure compliance with operational and regulatory requirements
• Participate in audits and corrective action plans

Pre-Opening Support

• Support kitchen setup and operational readiness
• Assist with menu testing and recipe standardisation
• Participate in training programmes and mock services
• Contribute to SOP implementation and opening preparations

What Success Looks Like

• Consistent delivery of the Apsley dining experience
• Exceptional food quality across all meal periods
• A motivated and engaged kitchen brigade
• Strong operational discipline and service execution
• Positive guest feedback and team performance
• Successful pre-opening readiness and launch

Who This Role Is Perfect For

• Passionate culinary professional ready for a leadership role
• Experience in British, European, Mediterranean, or bistro-style concepts
• Strong operational and service execution skills
• Team-oriented leader with a hands-on approach
• Detail-focused and committed to culinary excellence
• Passionate about hospitality, learning, and development

What We Need From You

Education

• Culinary qualification or equivalent professional certification preferred

Experience

• 3–5 years culinary experience in upscale or luxury dining environments
• Minimum 1–2 years in a Sous Chef or senior supervisory role
• Experience in British, European, Mediterranean, or bistro-style dining preferred
• Pre-opening experience is an advantage
• GCC/Dubai experience beneficial

Personal Attributes

• Positive and collaborative leadership style
• Strong appreciation for culinary heritage and craftsmanship
• Calm, organised, and solutions-oriented under pressure
• Detail-driven with high quality standards
• Passionate about coaching and developing others
• Committed to delivering memorable guest experiences through consistency, quality, and hospitality

What You Can Expect from Us