Sous Chef
Job Vacancy at The Birnam Hotel
About The Birnam Hotel
Recently restored and reopening in 2026, The Birnam Hotel is being shaped by a small local team with a clear, thoughtful vision for what it can be. Rooted in its place and community, the hotel has been carefully brought back to life with respect for its history and a belief in delivering soulful Scottish hospitality.
At The Birnam Hotel, we believe good work comes from people who care about what they do. In a setting defined by attention to detail and purpose, we value creativity, pride in craft, and a genuine commitment to quality, whether front of house, behind the scenes, or somewhere in between.
We are a close-knit team that believes great hospitality grows from trust, support, and shared standards. If you are looking for a workplace that encourages individuality, offers room to grow, and values people as much as the experience they create, you will feel at home here.
Overview of the Role
The sous chef is a key leader within the Kitchen at The Birnam Hotel, working closely with the Head Chef to bring the hotels food offering to life across our Rohallian Restaurant, the Lounge Bar, and in house events. Guided by the rhythms of the Seasons and Scotlands enduring food culture including produce from our own vegetable garden, this role carries this sensibility through every service, from preparation to the plate, shaping food that is led by season, produce and technique
Hands-on and highly organised, the Sous Chef helps translate the culinary vision into consistently excellent daily service, maintaining high standards while nurturing a calm, collaborative kitchen environment where craft, care, and teamwork are valued.
Key Responsibilities
Support the Head Chef in leading the kitchen team, setting a positive, professional tone during preparation and service.
Supervise daily service across sections, ensuring clear communication and smooth coordination.
Guide, support and develop junior chefs, contributing to training and progression within the kitchen.
Step in to leadership during the Head Chefs absence, ensuring continuity and confidence within the team.
Maintain Consistently high standards of food preparation and presentation in line with The Birnam Hotels culinary direction and influence.
Support the delivery of Seasonal menus led by Scottish produce, including produce from our vegetable garden.
Ensure quality and consistency across our Rohallian restaurant, Lounge bar and event service.
Assist with the day to day running of the kitchen, including preparation, service flow and organisation.
Assist ordering, stock rotation and waste reduction to help maintain strong GP performance.
Contribute to menu planning and efficient kitchen workflows.
Uphold high standards of food safety, cleanliness and kitchen discipline at all times.
Support compliance with food hygiene, health and safety regulations.
Maintain an organised, well run kitchen that supports both service and team wellbeing.
About You
Skills & Competencies
Calm, confident and supportive in approach leading by example on the pass and in preparation.
Comfortable guiding others while remaining collaborative and approachable.
Strong technical skills with clear respect for seasonality, produce and Scottish food culture.
Takes great pride in quality, consistency, and thoughtful execution.
Highly organised, dependable and be able to manage service under pressure.
Solutions focused with a steady practical approach to challenges that may arise.
Qualifications & Experience
3–5 years professional kitchen experience
Experience supporting the leadership and development of kitchen teams
Knowledge of hygiene, kitchen operations, and menu planning
Sound knowledge of food safety, health & safety, and kitchen compliance
Background in seasonal, ingredient led cooking within a quality hospitality environment
What We Offer
A supportive, positive working environment with real opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
The chance to be part of a newly restored hotel opening, shaped by a small, committed local team.
Staff rates at The Birnam Hotel and our sister venue, The Taybank.
Complimentary staff meal provided each shift, prepared by the kitchen team.
A focus on wellbeing, with access to employee support services.
Recognition for commitment and contribution, with opportunities to grow as the hotel develops.
Participation in a team that values collaboration, respect, and enjoyment of the work itself.
HOW TO APPLY
If you are interested in one of our roles, please kindly fill out the application below, including your CV and a short cover letter.