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- Tasks: Lead our BBQ kitchen and support the Head Chef in a vibrant restaurant.
- Company: Join Hickory's Smokehouse, crowned 'Best Pub Employer' for 2025!
- Benefits: Earn up to £40,000 plus tips, bonuses, and amazing perks like free BBQ on shift.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team with real progression opportunities and a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen environment; passion for BBQ and leadership skills required.
- Other info: Enjoy unique experiences like road trips and special paid days off for life events.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 56000 £ per year.
Start an exciting new chapter in your hospitality career at Hickory's Smokehouse. We are thrilled to have been recently crowned the 'Best Pub Employer' for 2025 at The Publican Awards!
We can offer you a generous package of up to £40,000 per year including Tip Jar. We’re looking for a Senior Sous Chef to join our passionate brigade of BBQ enthusiasts. You will be responsible for running our bespoke kitchen in the Head Chef's absence, and in doing so you will be working towards becoming a Head Chef yourself. You will be working with and leading the team to deliver an authentic fresh food-based BBQ menu in one of the busiest restaurants in town.
As the fastest growing Southern style Smokehouse group in the UK with an award-winning Hickory's Training Academy, we can offer you real progression opportunities as we expand. We have a company culture that really cares and embraces work-life balance.
Thank You’s & Benefits:
- A generous Senior Sous Chef package of up to £40,000 per year including Tip Jar plus uncapped bonus!
- The chance to work in one of our £250k bespoke built kitchens, with authentic smokers imported all the way from the USA.
- Excellent training & progression opportunities through our award-winning Hickory's Training Academy.
- Birthday reward meal on us for you & your friends - every year.
- Free smokin' BBQ on shift – team food & drinks menu.
- Christmas Day off work - every year.
- Moments that matter – Paid occasion days off (Wedding day, kid’s first day at school, moving into first home & more).
- Team Player card – 25% discount for you & 5 friends in all Hickory's (rising to 50% for loyal service).
- Road trips to the Southern States, Europe & UK and stacks of enrichment opportunities.
- Wellbeing support & 24-hour access to our wellness programme, plus a Wellbeing Champion in each restaurant to support you.
- Our pledge to a work-life balance – monitoring & managing through our Red Zone.
- A chance to ‘give a bit back’ with fundraising activities for Cash For Kids.
- Up to £500 for you – through the refer a friend scheme.
If that sounds good or does it leave you wanting to find out more? Click ‘apply’ now and you could be our next Senior Sous Chef.
Senior Sous Chef - New Opening employer: Hickory's Smokehouse
Contact Detail:
Hickory's Smokehouse Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef - New Opening
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Hickory's Smokehouse and their BBQ style. Understanding their menu and cooking techniques will help you stand out during interviews, showing your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Hickory's. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the Senior Sous Chef position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in a kitchen environment. As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage a team effectively, especially in the Head Chef's absence.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for BBQ and fresh food during any interactions with the hiring team. Sharing personal experiences or favourite recipes can help convey your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef - New Opening
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the kitchen, especially any leadership roles or BBQ expertise. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for BBQ and hospitality. Mention why you want to work at Hickory's Smokehouse and how your values align with their company culture.
Showcase Your Culinary Skills: If possible, include a portfolio of your culinary creations or any special dishes you've developed. This can help set you apart from other candidates and showcase your creativity.
Highlight Progression Goals: In your application, express your desire for career progression and how you see yourself growing within the company. Mention your ambition to become a Head Chef and how you plan to achieve that.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hickory's Smokehouse
✨Show Your Passion for BBQ
As a Senior Sous Chef, it's crucial to demonstrate your enthusiasm for BBQ and fresh food. Share your experiences with BBQ cooking techniques and any unique recipes you've developed. This will show the interviewers that you are not just skilled but also genuinely passionate about the cuisine.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
Since you'll be running the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence, it's important to showcase your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in previous roles, managed conflicts, or trained new staff. This will reassure them that you can handle the responsibilities of the position.
✨Discuss Progression Goals
The role offers real progression opportunities, so be ready to discuss your career aspirations. Talk about your desire to become a Head Chef and how you plan to achieve that within their company. This shows that you're committed to growing with them and contributing to their success.
✨Emphasise Work-Life Balance
Hickory's Smokehouse values work-life balance, so it’s a good idea to express your appreciation for this aspect. Discuss how you manage your time effectively and maintain a healthy work-life balance, which aligns with their company culture and values.
