At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head Chef, lead the kitchen team, and create seasonal dishes.
- Company: Balfour Winery, known for award-winning wines and exceptional dining.
- Benefits: Up to £42,000 salary, flexible hours, and 35% discount on food and drinks.
- Why this job: Enjoy a balanced schedule with only two evening shifts per week.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong CDP ready to step up.
- Other info: Join a caring employer focused on wellbeing and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Balfour Winery, set in the heart of the Kent countryside and known for its award‑winning wines and exceptional dining, is looking for a talented Sous Chef to join our ambitious kitchen team. This is a rare opportunity to work in a high‑quality, creative environment while still enjoying a balanced and consistent schedule.
About The Role
As Sous Chef, you’ll support the Head Chef in delivering a modern, seasonal menu that reflects the character of our estate. You’ll help lead the kitchen team, maintain high standards of preparation and presentation, and contribute to the development of new dishes that showcase the best local produce. This role is ideal for a chef who loves the craft but also values a healthier work‑life rhythm. You’ll work mainly 9-5, with only two evening services per week—Friday and Saturday. There are no breakfast shifts, allowing you to focus on quality cooking without the early‑morning demands typical of hospitality.
What You’ll Do
- Support the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations
- Lead and motivate the team during service
- Contribute to menu development and seasonal dish creation
- Ensure high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation
- Maintain excellent food safety and kitchen hygiene practices
- Help train and mentor junior team members
What We’re Looking For
- A passionate, skilled chef with experience at Sous Chef level or a strong CDP ready to step up
- Creativity and a love for seasonal, local ingredients
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- A calm, organised approach to service
- A genuine interest in working within a winery setting
What We Offer
- Predominantly daytime hours (9-5) only working 2 evenings a week (Friday and Saturday)
- Up to £42,000 including TRONC
- 35% discount on all drinks, food and accommodation across every Balfour site and Balfour Winery
- Flexible hours to suit you and your work/life balance
- Members of 'Wellbeing Promise', meaning we are an employer who really does care!
Sous Chef - only 2 evenings per week in Staplehurst employer: Balfour Hospitality
Contact Detail:
Balfour Hospitality Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - only 2 evenings per week in Staplehurst
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, industry friends, or even local foodies. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, whip up a dish and share it on social media or with friends. This not only showcases your talent but also gets people talking about you in the culinary scene.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to places you’d love to work at, like Balfour Winery. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love hearing from passionate chefs who are ready to join our team and make a difference in the kitchen.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef - only 2 evenings per week in Staplehurst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and creativity shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for seasonal ingredients and how you can contribute to our modern menu!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in a Sous Chef role or as a strong CDP. We’re looking for someone who can lead and motivate a team, so showcase those leadership skills!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our kitchen team at Balfour Winery.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Balfour Hospitality
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Balfour Winery's menu and their focus on seasonal, local ingredients. Being able to discuss specific dishes and suggest ideas for new ones will show your passion and creativity, which are key for a Sous Chef role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so it's important to demonstrate your leadership abilities during the interview. Share examples of how you've motivated your team in previous roles or how you've handled challenges in the kitchen. This will help them see you as a strong candidate who can support the Head Chef effectively.
✨Emphasise Work-Life Balance
Balfour Winery values a healthier work-life rhythm, so make sure to express your appreciation for this aspect of the job. Talk about how you manage your time and maintain a balanced lifestyle while still being passionate about cooking. This alignment with their values can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the kitchen culture, menu development process, and opportunities for training junior team members. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.