Step into a kitchen like no other. We are looking for an exceptional Sous Chef - Staff Dining to join our Catering and Retail Services team at the House of Lords, where you will help fuel the people who support one of the UK’s most iconic institutions.
In this pivotal role, your experience and Knowledge of Business & Industry staff restaurants you will play a key part in the day‑to‑day leadership of the staff restaurant kitchen, ensuring high-quality service, inspiring your team, and upholding impeccable standards of food safety, nutrition, and presentation.
Working closely with the Head Chef, you will shape menus, drive excellence, and contribute to a positive, professional, and efficient kitchen environment.
If you are passionate about great food, motivated by excellence, and excited to bring your skills to a truly remarkable workplace, we would love to hear from you.
You’ll be accountable for:
* Crafting and delivering daily menus for staff dining, ensuring every dish meets our expectations for quality, consistency, and nutritional value.
* Leading the kitchen during service, supervising staff and maintaining the highest standards of hygiene, safety, and presentation.
* Supporting cost control, including accurate portioning and dish costing to help achieve financial targets.
* Monitoring food safety compliance, overseeing temperature controls, food probing, chilling procedures, and fridge management.
* Managing stock and ordering, using computerised systems to maintain accurate inventories and minimise waste.
* Developing junior team members, contributing to their training and fostering a motivated, supportive, and inclusive kitchen culture.
* Supporting HR responsibilities, assisting with staffing, performance, and training processes.
If this sounds like something you would like to hear more about, please apply below.
What we’re looking for:
* Proven experience in a high‑volume, quality‑driven kitchen environment.
* Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and allergen management.
* Confidence using computerised stock and temperature monitoring systems.
* Ability to stay calm, organised, and focused under pressure during busy services.
* Strong communication skills and the ability to lead, support, and motivate a team.
* A basic understanding of HR processes and a willingness to contribute to people management.
* A recognised culinary qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery or equivalent).
It would be even better if you had:
* Experience working in a public sector, heritage, or high-profile institution.
* Knowledge of sustainable, inclusive, and responsible catering practices.
* Familiarity with HR systems and procedures.
The job description provides full details about the role and what we are looking for.
The work we do is vital to House of Lords, and you will be a pivotal member in the team strengthening the work of the House. The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK parliament. It is independent from and complements the work of the House of Commons to:
* Make laws.
* Check and challenge the actions of the government through questions and debates.
* Investigate public policy and provide a forum of independent expertise.
Please complete your online application by 23:55 on Tuesday 31st March 2026.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact HLRecruitment@parliament.uk
Job offers are standardly offered at the minimum of the salary range.
The House of Lords Administration is committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all candidates with diverse characteristics, including different ages, caring responsibilities, disability, gender/sex, gender reassignment/trans, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race/ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation and socio-economic status. We welcome discussions about flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments.