Sous Chef

The Archives is an intimate restaurant, cocktail bar, and four-room boutique hotel in the heart of Galle Fort. Our food offering is refined, ingredient-focused, and carefully presented. We are looking for an experienced Sous Chef with a strong background in fine dining, refined à la carte restaurants, boutique hotels, or a similar quality-focused environment. This is a hands-on operational role. The successful candidate will be expected to lead from the kitchen floor, work closely with the team during preparation and service, and take responsibility for the day-to-day performance, organisation, and standards of the kitchen.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or a strong Chef de Partie in a fine-dining restaurant, upscale standalone restaurant, boutique hotel, or similar operation
• Strong understanding of modern à la carte cooking, presentation, portion control, and consistency
• Ability to lead by example and remain actively involved throughout preparation and service
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene, storage, labelling, stock rotation, and temperature control
• Ability to train, guide, and maintain discipline within the kitchen team
• Calm, organised, and capable of performing under pressure
• Strong attention to detail and pride in the quality of every plate leaving the kitchen
• A genuine interest in food, ingredients, and continued professional development

OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate with approved suppliers and ensure orders are placed accurately and on time
• Ensure all deliveries are properly checked for quantity, quality, freshness, specification, and temperature before acceptance
• Reject and report any products that do not meet the required standard
• Maintain accurate stock levels and ensure the kitchen is sufficiently prepared for daily service
• Oversee inventory counts, stock records, food storage, and proper issuing of ingredients
• Monitor wastage, portion control, food cost, and unnecessary over-ordering
• Ensure FIFO procedures, labelling, dating, and stock rotation are followed without exception
• Maintain standard recipes and ensure dishes are prepared consistently according to approved specifications
• Work closely with management, purchasing, finance, and suppliers to address stock, quality, or costing concerns
• Ensure the kitchen, storage areas, chillers, and freezers remain clean, organised, and inspection-ready

This role is best suited to someone who is comfortable working in a compact, fast-moving kitchen where teamwork, flexibility, commercial awareness, and personal accountability are essential.

WHAT WE OFFER

• The opportunity to play a key role in developing the culinary reputation of The Archives
• A professional and quality-focused working environment
• Direct involvement in menu development, kitchen systems, and operating standards
• Strong career growth for the right candidate
• Competitive remuneration based on experience and capability

HOW TO APPLY

Please email:

• Your CV
• A short introduction explaining your most relevant fine-dining, à la carte, or boutique hospitality experience
• Your current position, notice period, and expected salary

Email: robert@ideahublk.com

Subject: Sous Chef Application – The Archives

Only candidates with relevant fine-dining, refined à la carte, or boutique hospitality kitchen experience will be shortlisted.