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- Tasks: Join us as a Sous Chef, managing kitchen operations and creating delicious meals.
- Company: Blue Arrow is a nationwide agency connecting chefs with exciting opportunities across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy great pay rates, weekly payments, flexible shifts, and potential for permanent roles.
- Why this job: Work in diverse environments, from hotels to schools, and gain valuable experience in the culinary field.
- Qualifications: 1 year of experience required; Level 2 food hygiene certificate preferred but not essential.
- Other info: Full UK driving license and own chef whites/knives needed; flexibility in shifts is a must.
Stoke-on-Trent, England
Salary: GBP17 - GBP18.5 per hour
Pay: £17-£18.50 per hour – weekly pay
Shifts: Day shifts working up to 39 hours, will include weekends on a rota. Shifts – 8am till 4:30pm
Contract – full time
Blue Arrow Stoke on Trent & Newcastle Under Lyme are looking for temporary relief chefs to help support our clients with temporary cover ranging from holidays, sickness or general recruitment support. Majority of our roles could easily lead to permanent work for you or be as flexible as you want it to be.
A lot of the environments are ranging from leisure and event-based establishments including garden centres, hotels, golf clubs, restaurants, and we also supply to public sector environments such as care homes, schools, nurseries, and more.
The working environment:
You will be catering anything from breakfast, hot and cold lunches, seasonal specials, sandwiches, homemade soups and cakes, along with preparing children’s food and children’s boxes, afternoon teas, events, and celebrations. You will be working with a team of chefs and catering assistants and expected to run and oversee the kitchen as well as manage staff members.
Requirements and skills:
- Previous 1 year experience up to senior Sous chef level
- Ability to manage and run kitchens, as well as placing all food orders, completing rotas, and managing small and large teams in the head chef's absence
- Flexibility in shift patterns – must be able to work daytime, night shifts, and weekends depending on when the clients need cover
- Great communication and teamwork skills
- Level 2 food hygiene certificate (ideal but not essential as we can provide this at a cost)
- Ability to work under pressure
- Due to certain locations, a full UK driving license is required along with own access to a vehicle
- Own chef whites and chef knives
- Cook and produce food orders
- Ensure all H&S is completed daily including temperatures of food and fridge items
- Manage the whole kitchen operation
- Manage & organise a small team
- Engage with other team members
- Take charge of all staffing kitchen operations in the head chef's absence
- Able to work on a hands-on operation
- Work with the front of house manager to arrange bookings for the day
- Prepare for events and celebrations throughout the day and year
Working times and shifts:
Some of our clients do offer just day shifts working 5 days a week including weekends up to 39 hours on a rota system, which can be anything from 7am starts until 4/5 pm. However, being a chef does mean you are expected to work days, evenings, weekends, and nights, which will be client dependent due to their business needs.
Why Apply & Benefits to joining Blue Arrow:
- Blue Arrow is a Nationwide Agency based throughout the UK with branches in all locations; work is always on offer.
- A lot of our chefs who are registered with us enjoy working for Blue Arrow due to the flexibility around shifts, and we can offer both ongoing and short-term assignments.
- Great pay rates and weekly pay
- Your very own App and portal to accept shifts on the go, and submit timesheets
- Dedicated consultant
- Chance to gain more hours around current jobs and commitments
- Mixtures of shifts
- PAID FOR EVERY HOUR WORKED
- Ongoing work in the majority of our clients
- Company pension scheme, and holiday accrual
The Commute:
As we cover many locations across Staffordshire, your commute will vary. If you have a car and are flexible with locations, great; if you’re limited to public transport, we’ll only send you to places that have public transport links and provide you with all the information you will need to get there.
Next Steps:
If this position is not something you are looking for right now, we also support other clients in and around Stoke on Trent/North Staffordshire. We currently are or have supplied to hotels, pubs, restaurants, golf clubs, event establishments, and football/cricket stadiums. Contract catering sites including industrial catering, garden centres, farm shops, schools, nurseries, universities, hospitals, care homes, and prisons – to work in these environments it would require an Enhanced DBS check, which we do have the facilities to put you through at a cost.
If you think this is just what you’re looking for then CLICK APPLY TODAY, and sign up with us. One of our dedicated consultants will be in touch to review your application.
Sous chefs - Stoke on Trent employer: Blue Arrow
Contact Detail:
Blue Arrow Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous chefs - Stoke on Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific types of establishments you'll be working in, such as hotels, golf clubs, and care homes. Understanding the unique demands and expectations of these environments can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your flexibility in shift patterns when speaking to potential employers. Being open to day shifts, weekends, and even night shifts can make you a more attractive candidate for temporary roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with other chefs and professionals in the industry. Attend local culinary events or join online forums to connect with others who may have insights or leads on job opportunities in Stoke-on-Trent.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience managing kitchen operations and staff. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully run a kitchen or handled pressure, as this will demonstrate your capability to potential employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous chefs - Stoke on Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a sous chef. Include specific roles where you managed kitchen operations, worked under pressure, and collaborated with team members.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and your ability to manage a kitchen. Mention your flexibility with shifts and your experience in various catering environments.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise skills such as communication, teamwork, and the ability to work under pressure. If you have a Level 2 food hygiene certificate, be sure to mention it, even if it's not essential.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the culinary field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Arrow
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in the kitchen, especially any roles where you managed a team or ran a kitchen. Bring examples of dishes you've created or special events you've catered for to demonstrate your culinary expertise.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
As a sous chef, you'll need to work closely with other chefs and front-of-house staff. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team. Share specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Given the nature of the role, it's important to show that you're adaptable to different working hours and environments. Be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to work weekends or evenings, as well as your experience in various kitchen settings.
✨Prepare for Health and Safety Questions
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to the kitchen environment. Be prepared to answer questions about food hygiene practices and how you ensure compliance in your previous roles, even if you don't currently hold a Level 2 food hygiene certificate.