Sous Chef
We are looking for a passionate and experienced Sous Chef to join our team at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa, one of Darwin Escapes’ stunning holiday destinations set in the beautiful Devon countryside.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced kitchen environment and takes pride in delivering high-quality food and exceptional guest experiences. Supporting the Head Chef, you will play a key role in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, helping to lead the team, maintain high standards and ensure smooth service.
This is a hands-on role, ideal for someone who is confident in the kitchen, enjoys developing others and is looking to grow their experience within a supportive and expanding business.
This is a full-time position working variable days, including weekends and bank holidays.
About Hawkchurch Resort & Spa:
Hawkchurch Resort & Spa is a luxury lodge retreat nestled in the rolling hills of Devon, close to the Jurassic Coast and surrounded by stunning countryside. The resort offers high-quality lodge accommodation, excellent leisure facilities and a peaceful setting where guests can relax and unwind.
With its strong focus on guest experience, high standards and a welcoming team environment, Hawkchurch is a fantastic place to develop your career within Darwin Escapes.
About Darwin Escapes:
Darwin Escapes operates unique holiday destinations across the United Kingdom, offering beautiful locations, quality accommodation and memorable guest experiences.
Across our resorts, our teams are passionate about delivering excellent service and maintaining high standards across all areas of the business.
About the role
Key Responsibilities:
· Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen
· Prepare and deliver high-quality dishes in line with company standards
· Assist with menu planning, development and presentation
· Maintain excellent food hygiene and health & safety standards at all times
· Monitor stock levels, rotate stock correctly and assist with ordering
· Check deliveries and ensure quality and accuracy
· Support with training and development of the kitchen team
· Ensure a clean, safe and well-organised kitchen environment
· Assist in managing kitchen performance in line with budgets and targets
What We’re Looking For:
· Previous experience in a similar role within a kitchen environment
· Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards
· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and remain calm under pressure
· A positive attitude and strong team player
· Good organisational skills and attention to detail
· A passion for food and delivering a great guest experience
Why Join Darwin Escapes?
· Competitive salary
· Discounted staff breaks at our luxury resorts across the UK
· Free use of many resort facilities including gyms and swimming pools
· Food discounts across all resorts
· Discounts on spa treatments
· Employee Assistance Programme
· Access to the Darwin Academy training programme
· Cycle to Work scheme
· MediCash health plan
(Some benefits are subject to terms and conditions.)
Additional Information:
This role will require flexibility to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays in line with business needs.
This role is based within a busy kitchen environment and will involve standing for extended periods. The role may also involve lifting or moving kitchen equipment and supplies where required.
What you will need
Required criteria
- Right to Work UK
Desired criteria
- Chef experience
Darwin Escapes
At Darwin Escapes we operate a collection of unique holiday destinations across the United Kingdom, offering beautiful locations, quality accommodation and exceptional guest experiences.
Our resorts range from countryside lodge retreats to coastal escapes, each delivering high standards of hospitality, leisure facilities and service for our holiday guests and holiday home owners.
Whether working in food and beverage, housekeeping, grounds, maintenance, entertainment or management, our teams play an important role in creating welcoming environments and memorable experiences for every guest who visits our resorts.
A Darwin Escape is all about creating the perfect destination for our guests to relax, explore and make lasting memories. Whether guests are looking to unwind in peaceful countryside surroundings or enjoy a fun-filled break with family and friends, our resorts offer a variety of experiences designed to suit every type of holiday. Across our resorts, we offer a range of accommodation, from luxury lodges with private hot tubs to spacious caravans and unique stays such as treehouses. Each location has its own character, facilities and atmosphere, but all share the same focus on delivering high standards of hospitality and memorable guest experiences. Our beautifully maintained resorts feature excellent on-site facilities and welcoming environments where guests can relax, recharge or enjoy adventure and exploration in some of the UK’s most desirable locations. Behind every great Darwin Escape is a dedicated team. Our colleagues play a vital role in ensuring every guest enjoys their stay, helping to create the friendly atmosphere and outstanding service that our resorts are known for.
At Darwin Escapes we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. Our teams work together to create welcoming environments and memorable experiences for our guests across our resorts throughout the United Kingdom. Each of our destinations has its own personality, from luxurious lodge retreats to family-focused resorts and peaceful countryside locations. While every resort is unique, all of our teams share the same commitment to delivering outstanding service and creating great experiences for our guests and holiday home owners. We are proud to offer a friendly and supportive working environment where colleagues are encouraged to develop their skills and grow their careers. Whether you are starting your first role in hospitality or progressing into management, Darwin Escapes provides opportunities for development, training and career progression across our growing collection of resorts. Wherever you join us, you will become part of a team that values professionalism, teamwork and pride in delivering exceptional service.
Our benefits
At Darwin Escapes, we believe in supporting our people. That’s why we offer a range of benefits, training opportunities and perks across our resorts.
Vacation, Paid time off
Paid sick days
Retirement plan and/or pension
Employee development programs
Employee discounts
Gym membership or wellness programs
Free parking
Cycle to work
Referral bonus
Competitive salary
Discount on meals purchased
Discount on spa treatments or products
Free parking or Discounted parking
Employee Assistance Scheme
Progression opportunities
Bereavement leave
Sous Chef
At Darwin Escapes we operate a collection of unique holiday destinations across the United Kingdom, offering beautiful locations, quality accommodation and exceptional guest experiences.
Our resorts range from countryside lodge retreats to coastal escapes, each delivering high standards of hospitality, leisure facilities and service for our holiday guests and holiday home owners.
Whether working in food and beverage, housekeeping, grounds, maintenance, entertainment or management, our teams play an important role in creating welcoming environments and memorable experiences for every guest who visits our resorts.