Sous Chef

Sous Chef

Blackburn Full-Time 24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Bluebird Inn

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, support menu development, and ensure high food standards.
  • Company: Join JW Lees, a family-owned brewery with nearly 200 years of tradition and passion for great experiences.
  • Benefits: Enjoy annual profit share, discounts on food and drink, and wellbeing support.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career progression and training junior staff members.
  • Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values growth, quality, and memorable dining experiences.
  • Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen environment and a passion for food are essential.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.

Sous Chef Vacancy

We are looking for a Sous Chef to join the talented kitchen team

What we offer our Sous Chefs

  • Competitive pay plus cash tips and tronc (that’s your card tips that are paid into your bank)
  • Annual profit share bonus, ensuring you share in the success of the company
  • Well equipped kitchen with maintained kit plus good quality produce
  • 30% discount on food and drink across our pubs, inns and hotels for you and friends and family
  • 50% off food when on shift
  • Discounted stays in our hotels and inns
  • 24 hour confidential wellbeing support, plus counselling provided by the Licenced Trade Charity
  • Great opportunities to grow in your role and progress your career with our internal and external development programmes and culinary apprenticeships
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption policies
  • Access to JW BenefitHub, giving you access to a huge range of high street and online discounts

What a Sous Chef does at JW Lees

  • Lead the kitchen team in the Head Chef’s absence
  • Support with menu development, stock management and maintaining a safe and compliant kitchen
  • Provide guidance to junior kitchen staff members
  • Ensure that high standards and attention to detail are maintained, working with the team to achieve and maintain 5* Scores on the doors
  • Continuously motivate the team to make sure that fresh quality food is presented each time
  • TheSous Chef plays an integral role in training and development junior team member

About JW Lees

Proudly family owned and nearly 200 years old, JW Lees are the original modern, traditional brewer. With 150 pubs, inns and hotels across the North West and North Wales, we are passionate about great beer, fantastic food and memorable experiences.

We put people at the heart of our business, always doing the right thing and always sticking together. Our six values are at the heart of everything we do:

Proud – Savvy – Honest – Passionate – Personal – Together

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Sous Chef employer: Bluebird Inn

At JW Lees, we pride ourselves on being a family-owned business with nearly 200 years of tradition, offering our Sous Chefs not just a job, but a rewarding career filled with growth opportunities. With benefits like annual profit sharing, generous discounts, and a supportive work culture that values teamwork and personal development, you will thrive in an environment that celebrates quality food and memorable experiences across our pubs and inns in the North West and North Wales.
Bluebird Inn

Contact Detail:

Bluebird Inn Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sous Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with JW Lees' values and culture. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your conversations during interviews to show how your personal values align with theirs.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight your leadership skills and experience in a kitchen environment. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team or managed kitchen operations in the past.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your approach to menu development and stock management. Having a few ideas or examples of how you've improved these areas in previous roles can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Show your passion for food and quality service. Be enthusiastic about the role and express your commitment to maintaining high standards, as this is crucial for achieving those 5* Scores on the doors.

We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef

Culinary Skills
Leadership Skills
Menu Development
Stock Management
Food Safety Compliance
Attention to Detail
Team Motivation
Training and Development
Time Management
Creativity in Food Presentation
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Customer Service Orientation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities of a Sous Chef at JW Lees. Highlight your relevant experience in leading kitchen teams and supporting menu development.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your culinary skills and experience. Emphasise any previous roles where you led a team, managed stock, or trained junior staff, as these are key aspects of the position.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and hospitality. Mention how your values align with those of JW Lees, such as being proud, honest, and passionate about delivering quality.

Showcase Your Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include specific examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous roles. Use metrics or achievements, like improving kitchen scores or successful menu launches, to demonstrate your impact.

How to prepare for a job interview at Bluebird Inn

✨Show Your Passion for Food

As a Sous Chef, your love for food and cooking should shine through. Be prepared to discuss your culinary journey, favourite dishes, and what inspires you in the kitchen. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.

✨Highlight Leadership Skills

Since you'll be leading the kitchen team in the Head Chef's absence, it's crucial to showcase your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've motivated and guided junior staff in previous roles, and how you handle challenges in a busy kitchen environment.

✨Discuss Menu Development Experience

The role involves supporting menu development, so be ready to talk about your experience with creating or modifying menus. Discuss any successful dishes you've introduced and how you consider customer preferences and seasonal ingredients in your planning.

✨Emphasise Attention to Detail

Maintaining high standards is key in this position. Prepare to give examples of how you've ensured quality and compliance in past kitchens. Mention specific practices you follow to maintain cleanliness and safety, as well as how you achieve consistent presentation of dishes.

Sous Chef
Bluebird Inn
Location: Blackburn

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