Chef - VEL South Indian Kitchen and Bar - Eastbourne

The Opportunity:
We are seeking passionate, skilled chefs to join our foundation team in Eastbourne. This is a rare opportunity to help launch a new location for a respected brand and set the culinary standard for South Indian cuisine in the area.
Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Sous Chef to join our dynamic culinary team. Deep knowledge of South Indian regional cuisines (Tamil), specializing in Dosas, Idli, Vada, Pongal, Sambar, Chutneys and authentic meat/seafood chettinadu gravies. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, extensive culinary expertise, and a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences. This role offers an exciting opportunity to oversee kitchen operations, mentor staff, and contribute to the creation of innovative menus in a fast-paced hospitality environment. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to food safety standards and possess relevant restaurant experience. This position is fully paid and integral to maintaining our reputation for excellence in cuisine and service.
Duties

• Assist the Head Chef in managing daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth workflow and high-quality food preparation
• Supervise and motivate kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and efficient team environment
• Oversee food production, ensuring dishes meet presentation standards and adhere to recipes and portion control
• Prepare a variety of menu items with precision, creativity, and consistency
• Maintain strict compliance with food safety regulations and hygiene standards
• Monitor inventory levels, assist with stock ordering, and minimise waste
• Support training programmes for junior staff to develop their culinary skills and knowledge
• Collaborate with front-of-house teams to ensure seamless service delivery
• Assist in menu planning, development of new dishes, and seasonal updates

Skills

• Proven supervising experience within a professional kitchen setting
• Extensive food production and preparation skills across diverse cuisines
• Strong team management capabilities with excellent leadership qualities
• In-depth knowledge of food safety protocols and hygiene standards
• Proficient in cooking techniques, food presentation, and culinary innovation
• Previous restaurant experience demonstrating adaptability in high-pressure environments
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently
• Good understanding of hospitality operations including serving procedures
• Effective communication skills to liaise with team members and management effectively

This role offers an engaging environment for passionate culinary professionals eager to advance their careers while contributing to a renowned establishment committed to excellence.