Sous Chef in Guildford

Sous Chef in Guildford

Guildford Full-Time 38000 - 38000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team to create exceptional dishes and menus.
  • Company: Join Barnett Hill Hotel, a stunning country house hotel near London.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, discounts, and complimentary stays.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for creativity and growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of an award-winning team and elevate your culinary career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in high-quality restaurant kitchens and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 38000 - 38000 £ per year.

£38,000 per annum + monthly service charge payment

Benefits:

  • 4 weeks holiday increasing to 5 weeks with service.
  • 8 Bank holidays
  • Free car parking
  • Employee uniform
  • Discounted hotel accommodation for yourself and your family at all hotels
  • Discounted hair treatments at our two Utopia Spas
  • Discount off all food & beverage at all hotels
  • Discount of individual treatments booked in our two Utopia Spas
  • Discount on retail products in our two Utopia Spas
  • Refer a friend staff recruitment scheme
  • Your birthday off paid
  • Complimentary overnight stays
  • Complimentary lunch/afternoon tea
  • Service related holiday

From formal dining in the 2 Rosette Oak Room to informal dining in The Café, terraces and luxury lounges, the Chefs delight guests with their seasonal, stylish and delicious menu choices. So come and join our Head Chef, and assist him to develop and deliver the very best cuisine and manage a team of 6 Chefs and kitchen porters.

The Place Barnett Hill Hotel, part of Alexander Hotels, a private Collection of quality hotels of distinction just outside London. Exciting refurbishment and redevelopment plans have been completed which have transformed this venue, with 26 acres of lovingly maintained gardens and woodlands into a beautiful Country House Hotel. The Hotel including all bedrooms have been completely refurbished and updated with work recently having been completed on the Mews building to increase the number of bedrooms to 56 in total. Our first AA inspection has resulted in 4 Stars for the Hotel and 2 Rosettes for dining being awarded, so we are well on the way!

The Role:

Reporting to the Head Chef, with responsibility for all aspects of food production from sourcing suppliers to delivering customer excellence in the finished dish. Creating a restaurant menu to inspire local patrons, an afternoon tea menu that encourages loyal local business will all be on the to do list of the new Head Chef.

Responsibilities:

  • Recruitment, training, and coaching team of 6 Chefs and 3 Kitchen Porters – adding to your team as the business grows.
  • The menu planning, supplier resourcing, ordering, delivery, storage, preparation, cooking and service across the range of food areas within the Hotel.
  • Development of menu ideas to progress the food offering to achieve rosette standards across all areas of service, restaurant, banqueting, afternoon tea, corporate functions.
  • Ensure compliance with HACCP and food hygiene, health, and safety legislation.
  • Achieving gross profit targets on dishes to allow for future investment in the facilities and staffing.
  • Creating passion, flair, and drive in your team to assist the hotel to achieve its quality and business objectives.
  • Practice and promote effective teamwork and communication amongst your direct work colleagues and colleagues in other departments.

Menus across the business. The business is varied offering catering to Hotel Guests, In-house Conference Delegates, as well as guests from the local area. Barnett Hill is a popular wedding venue with weddings taking place in the 2 wedding suites.

Requirements:

  • Experience of developing a quality hotel restaurant to 2 rosettes standard and beyond.
  • Proven record of team selection and retention that supports the development of excellent standards.
  • Demonstrate during a cooking trial the practical ability and flair that will be required to drive and motivate others on the team to achieve.
  • Demonstrate ideas of how the food offering can be developed and standards improved when being interviewed.
  • Hold the experience to manage the multi menu requirements and busy banqueting operation.
  • Live locally or can relocate to the area with own transportation.

Sous Chef in Guildford employer: Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa

At Barnett Hill Hotel, part of the distinguished Alexander Hotels collection, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values creativity and teamwork. With a focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits including generous holiday allowances, discounted accommodation, and opportunities for professional development in a beautifully refurbished country house setting just outside London. Join us to be part of a passionate culinary team dedicated to delivering outstanding dining experiences while enjoying a supportive work culture that celebrates your contributions.

Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa

Contact Details:

Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Guildford

Get a Taste of the Scene

Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!

Network at Food Festivals

Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!

Show Off Your Skills

Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa

Don't be shy about reaching out to Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Guildford

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Teamwork
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Flexibility

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.

Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!

Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!

How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa

Show Your People Skills

In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'

Get Ready for a Practical Test

In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!