Senior Sous Chef — The Lifeboat Inn, Thornham

£36,000–£38,000 + Tronc | Full Time

If you know the North Norfolk coast, you probably know The Lifeboat. It’s one of those places people talk about — full of history, warmth and a loyal mix of locals and long‑standing visitors. With its established reputation and a kitchen focused on quality, seasonality and consistency, The Lifeboat is an inspiring place to grow your craft.

We’re looking for a Sous Chef who can support the Head Chef in leading the kitchen day to day — someone with skill, calmness and the confidence to take charge when needed. You’ll help shape the food offering, maintain high standards and support a team proud of what they deliver.

If you’re the kind of chef who enjoys being part of a respected coastal property with plenty of opportunity to develop, this could be a great fit.

What the Role’s All About...

As Sous Chef, you’ll play a key role in the running of the kitchen — supporting the Head Chef, guiding junior members of the team, and ensuring every plate reflects the hospitality The Lifeboat is known for.

You’ll:

• Support the Head Chef in menu execution, prep and service

• Run the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence with confidence and composure

• Help deliver a consistent, well‑executed food offering

• Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene and kitchen standards

• Be involved in stock management, ordering and waste control

• Train, support and mentor junior chefs

• Work closely with the wider management team to ensure smooth service

• Bring ideas, enthusiasm and reliability to a busy, quality‑led kitchen

About You...

You’re a hands‑on chef with a steady, organised approach and a genuine passion for producing good food. You work well in a team, you stay calm under pressure, and you take pride in delivering a reliable, consistent service.

You’ll bring:

• Experience as a Sous Chef or a strong CDP ready to step up

• A solid understanding of prep, service and kitchen operations

• A passion for fresh, seasonal food

• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset

• A focus on standards, organisation and consistency

• A desire to grow within a supportive and quality‑driven property

Why Join Chestnut?

Chestnut is a collection of premium properties and inns across East Anglia, each with its own identity. The Lifeboat is one of our most recognisable coastal properties — loved by locals, trusted by visitors and full of opportunity for people who enjoy being part of a tight‑knit team.

You’ll be supported by an experienced leadership team, given room to grow, and part of a business that invests in people, skill development and progression.

Benefits & Perks

• Performance bonus schemes

• Team & individual incentive trips

• 50% discount on food across all Chestnut pubs

• Overnight stays from £75

• Friends & Family discounts

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Refer a Friend bonuses

• High‑street retail & travel discounts

• Wagestream access

• Accredited training & development pathways

Ready to take the next step in your kitchen career at a much‑loved coastal inn?

If this feels like the right opportunity for you, apply today — we’d really like to meet you.

INDCP