Sous Chef

Perle Hotels Ltd; Portree; On-site; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury hotel chain in Portree is looking for a Sous Chef to support the Head Chef at their signature restaurant, Chargrill. This role is pivotal in a fast-paced kitchen, where you'll lead from the front, inspire the team, and ensure high standards are met. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in high-quality kitchens, excellent communication skills, and a passion for Scottish ingredients. Opportunities for progression and a unique lifestyle on the Isle of Skye make this a compelling role.

Benefits

Annual Performance bonus

Equal share of tips and service charge

Subsidised accommodation

28 days annual leave

Company pension scheme

Complimentary gym membership

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in a high-quality, high-volume kitchen.
• Passion for steak, grills, and local produce.
• Ambition to progress to Head Chef level.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in leading and training the kitchen team.
• Ensure consistency and quality in food preparation.
• Manage kitchen operations and support stock control.

Skills

Proven experience as a Sous Chef

Strong technical cooking skills

Calm and organised leader

Excellent communication skills

Understanding of food costs

Enthusiasm for Scottish produce

Education

Level 3 Food Hygiene & Safety qualification

Job description

Overview

The Opportunity: Perle Hotels are seeking a skilled, motivated, and hands-on Sous Chef to support the Head Chef at Chargrill, the signature restaurant within Marmalade Hotel.

This is a key leadership role for a chef who thrives in a fast-paced, produce-led kitchen and enjoys being at the heart of service. As Sous Chef, you'll be the Head Chef's right hand: leading from the pass, setting standards, developing junior chefs, and ensuring consistency, quality, and pace across every service.

If you're an ambitious Sous Chef ready to step up, sharpen your leadership skills, and work with exceptional Scottish produce in one of the UK's most inspiring locations - this role offers both challenge and progression.

About Chargrill

Perched above Portree, Chargrill is a contemporary Highland restaurant where bold flavours and precise cooking take centre stage. Our menus celebrate outstanding local produce: Highland beef, Skye-landed seafood, seasonal vegetables, and confident, unfussy plates that let ingredients speak for themselves.

With panoramic views across the Cuillin Mountains, Chargrill delivers a dining experience that is refined, assured, and unmistakably memorable.

Salary & Benefits

• A salary of £35,000
• Annual Performance bonus
• Equal share of tips and 10% service charge
• Subsidised accommodation available (T&Cs apply)
• 28 days annual leave plus time off in lieu (T&Cs apply)
• Company pension scheme
• Complimentary 24-hour Skye Gym membership
• Employee Assistance Programme & Cycle to Work scheme
• Staff discounts across Perle Hotels (rooms, dining, spa)
• Genuine progression opportunities within Perle Hotels

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Leadership & Team Development

• Support the Head Chef in leading, training, and motivating the kitchen brigade.
• Act as a role model for standards, attitude, and pace during prep and service.
• Coach and develop junior chefs, fostering confidence, skill, and progression.

Service & Quality Control

• Lead sections and support the pass during service, ensuring consistency, timing, and presentation.
• Maintain the Chargrill standard on every plate leaving the kitchen.
• Support menu execution, specials, and seasonal changes.

Operations & Organisation

• Assist with rotas, daily prep planning, and kitchen organisation to ensure smooth services.
• Support stock control, ordering, and deliveries, helping to minimise waste and manage costs.
• Deputise for the Head Chef when required, taking responsibility for service and kitchen flow.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Maintain excellent food hygiene and safety standards at all times.
• Support HACCP compliance, allergen controls, temperature checks, and kitchen documentation.
• Hold (or be willing to obtain) a Level 3 Food Hygiene & Safety qualification.

Collaboration

• Work closely with the Head Chef, FOH management, and wider hotel team to ensure a seamless guest experience.
• Contribute ideas, feedback, and solutions to continually improve kitchen performance.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous in a high-quality, high-volume kitchen.
• A hands-on, calm, and organised leader who thrives during busy services.
• Strong technical cooking skills with a passion for steak, grills, and Scottish produce.
• Good understanding of food costs, GP awareness, and stock control (with support).
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Ambition to progress to Head Chef level in the future.
• Enthusiasm for living and working on the Isle of Skye.

Why Skye, Why Now

Working in Portree offers chefs a rare chance to balance career progression with quality of life. From daily access to exceptional seafood and Highland produce to coastal walks, wild swims, and mountain hikes on your days off, Skye provides space to grow creatively and professionally.

For a Sous Chef looking to step into a more senior, trusted leadership role - this is an opportunity to build something special.