Sous Chef

Sous Chef

Full-Time 24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Cairn Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create unforgettable dining experiences.
  • Company: Cairn Group, a leading UK hospitality company with over 60 years of expertise.
  • Benefits: Real-time pay access, discounts on stays, food, wellness, and fun activities.
  • Why this job: Grow your culinary career in a supportive environment that values your contributions.
  • Qualifications: Experience in leading kitchen teams and a passion for exceptional food.
  • Other info: Opportunities for professional development and recognition through awards.

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

Hospitality Starts Here – Build Your Future with Cairn Group. Are you ready to grow your career in hospitality? At Cairn Group, we believe work should be rewarding, exciting, and full of opportunities to learn and develop. Whether you're creating unforgettable guest experiences or supporting your team, you'll be part of a friendly, supportive environment where your contributions are valued. With the opportunity to learn, develop, and be recognised, Cairn Group is a place where you can build a career you're proud of.

About the Role: As Senior Sous Chef at Cairn Group, you’ll support the Head Chef in leading a passionate kitchen team to deliver exceptional food and an unforgettable dining experience. You’ll take ownership of daily operations, deputising in the Head Chef’s absence, and ensuring high standards of consistency, quality, and presentation. From managing prep to overseeing service and mentoring junior chefs, your leadership will help create a positive, efficient kitchen environment. You’ll also assist in developing menus, managing supplier relationships, and maintaining excellent food hygiene and safety standards across every service.

About You: You will thrive at Cairn Group because you are:

  • A Hospitality Hero – You inspire others with your passion for food and dedication to exceptional guest experiences.
  • A Service Superstar – You consistently deliver high-quality dishes and support smooth kitchen service with confidence and flair.
  • A Team Player – You motivate and guide your team, creating a supportive and high-performing kitchen culture.
  • Cool Under Pressure – You remain calm, efficient, and focused during high-volume service and in unexpected situations.
  • A Polished Professional – You uphold food safety and hygiene standards while presenting yourself with professionalism and pride.
  • Proactive & Organised – You manage prep, stock, and service with efficiency, and support the Head Chef in planning and team coordination.
  • Experienced & Motivational – You bring a wealth of culinary knowledge, with experience leading kitchen brigades and mentoring developing chefs.

About Us: Cairn Group is a leading UK hospitality company with over 60 years of expertise in hotel acquisition, ownership, management, investment, and development. Our journey has been shaped by successful partnerships with global brands and a commitment to creating thriving, guest-focused properties. At Cairn Group, our values - Respect, Integrity, Sustainability, and Excellence (RISE) - are at the heart of everything we do. We respect our team and guests, act with integrity, and invest in our people to build a sustainable future - for our business, our communities, and the planet. Every day, we work to deliver excellence, going the extra mile to create outstanding experiences for our guests.

Benefits: Get Paid in Real-Time or build savings with Wagestream: Take control of your earnings. Track your pay live, access funds when needed, build savings and get expert financial tips—all in real-time. Stay, Relax and Recharge: Enjoy discounted stays across all our venues. Treat yourself or bring your friends and family along for a well-earned break. Delicious Discounts: Indulge a little with discounts off food and drinks across our hotels, bars and restaurants. Spa Discounts: Self-care matters! Treat yourself with exclusive wellness offers at our spas and leisure clubs. Retail, Cinema & Fun Discounts: Enjoy exclusive access to savings on shopping, cinema trips and fun days out. Rise with Us: From apprenticeships to leadership programmes, we support you to grow and reach your career goals. Superstar Awards: Your hard work deserves the spotlight! Each month we celebrate and reward our team members who showcase our values and bring hospitality to life. Long-Service Awards: Celebrate key milestones with us, starting from just one year of service—plus enjoy extra annual leave as a thank-you for your commitment. Recommend a Friend: Bring great people into the team and earn a bonus when they join! 24/7 Support: We’re committed to your wellbeing. Access our confidential Employee Assistance Programme anytime, anywhere. Bereavement Leave – When life gets tough, we ensure you have the time and support you need to be with your loved ones. Pension Scheme: Plan for your future with your pension plan, designed to help you build long-term security. Year-Round Incentives: Enjoy fun incentives, exciting challenges, and surprise perks throughout the year.

Sous Chef employer: Cairn Group

Cairn Group is an exceptional employer in the hospitality sector, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture where your contributions are truly valued. As a Sous Chef, you'll benefit from extensive growth opportunities, including leadership programmes and apprenticeships, while enjoying perks like discounted stays, wellness offers, and real-time pay access. Join us to be part of a team that prioritises respect, integrity, and excellence, ensuring you thrive both personally and professionally in a dynamic kitchen environment.
Cairn Group

Contact Detail:

Cairn Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sous Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow chefs and hospitality professionals. Attend industry events, join online forums, or even hit up local culinary schools. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a video showcasing your cooking techniques. This is a great way to stand out and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a job that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or team. A quick email expressing your enthusiasm can make a huge difference and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 4

Keep it real! Be yourself during interviews. Share your passion for food and hospitality, and don’t be afraid to talk about your experiences and how they align with Cairn Group’s values. Authenticity goes a long way in making a lasting impression!

We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef

Culinary Knowledge
Leadership Skills
Menu Development
Food Hygiene Standards
Team Management
Operational Efficiency
High-Volume Service Management
Mentoring Skills
Supplier Relationship Management
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Time Management
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but a true Hospitality Hero.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your experience in mentoring and guiding others. Talk about how you've created a positive kitchen culture and supported your team in high-pressure situations.

Be Specific About Your Experience: Don't just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Mention specific dishes you've created, menus you've developed, or any unique challenges you've overcome. This helps us see your expertise and how you can contribute to our team.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team at Cairn Group!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cairn Group

✨Know Your Culinary Stuff

Brush up on your culinary techniques and be ready to discuss your favourite dishes. Cairn Group values a passion for food, so share your experiences and what inspires you in the kitchen.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've led a team or mentored junior chefs in the past. Highlight your ability to create a positive kitchen culture and how you handle high-pressure situations.

✨Understand the Company Values

Familiarise yourself with Cairn Group's values: Respect, Integrity, Sustainability, and Excellence (RISE). Be ready to explain how you embody these values in your work and interactions.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about menu development, supplier relationships, or how they maintain high standards of food hygiene and safety.

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