At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create amazing dishes at our new Southbank restaurant.
- Company: Join Caravan, a vibrant restaurant known for its well-travelled food and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts, extensive wellbeing support, and real career progression.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values sustainability and diversity.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a dynamic kitchen and inspire others with your culinary passion.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen leadership role and a love for fresh ingredients.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 50000 £ per year.
Overall earnings from £46,000-£50,000 per year, plus bonus scheme.
Full time.
This November, we’re opening our tenth, and biggest, Caravan at the Southbank. We’re looking for a brilliant Senior Sous Chef to help lead our kitchen team. We’re after someone kind, confident and genuinely passionate about what they do. Someone who knows how to lead and inspire a team, is passionate about fresh ingredients and gets a kick out of helping their team develop and give their guests the best experience possible.
You’ll be joining Caravan as we open a special new restaurant, with two floors, multiple bars and plenty of opportunity to make your mark from day one.
The role
As Senior Sous Chef, you’ll work alongside your Head Chef and the management team to make sure the kitchen runs brilliantly every day. That means setting the standard for health & safety, culture, hospitality and developing the team around you to make sure every dish sent out is one you’re proud to serve. You’ll know how to lead from the front, when to coach and when to jump in and help get things moving.
What you'll be doing as Senior Sous Chef:
- Setting the standards for health & safety and delivering excellence across the kitchen.
- Making sure every dish is made consistently, confidently and to spec.
- Leading by example and helping create the kind of hospitality people want to come back for.
- Coaching, training and developing the kitchen team, sharing your knowledge as you go.
- Giving new team members a great start through engaging training and onboarding.
- Keeping on top of stock, costs, cleanliness, health & safety and all the brilliant basics that make a great kitchen work.
- Working closely with the wider restaurant team to give every guest the best experience possible.
Why Caravan?
Since 2010, we’ve been serving well-travelled food, specialty coffee and drinks inspired by flavours and ideas from around the world. We’re a business built around curious people. People who care about what they do, look out for each other and aren’t afraid to try something new. With more openings ahead and a big focus on developing our own people, there’s plenty of room to grow with us too.
Plus, when you work at Caravan you enjoy:
- Free meals & drinks when on shift.
- 50% dining discount with up to 4 mates.
- 20% coffee retail discount.
- Extensive wellbeing support.
- Financial health education & support.
- Leadership training and development.
- A dining voucher when you start, on your birthday and your work anniversary, to spend in any of our restaurants.
- Real career progression - 80% of our management roles are filled internally.
Our values
We live by four core values, and our Senior Sous Chef, and every team member would live, promote and role model them:
- All welcome - We make space for everyone at our table.
- No boundaries - Grow, develop and thrive, just a little bit each day.
- Caravan of Love - Bring the energy, and be part of the change you want to see in the world.
- Well-travelled - Be curious; learn, taste, experiment and share that knowledge with those you meet along the way.
Sustainability
We're all in on both environmental and social sustainability practices. Every team member plays their part in maintaining our B-Corp certification targets.
Diversity & Inclusion
Everyone's welcome at Caravan. We respect individual differences in identity, culture and experience, with our team, and with every guest.
Senior Sous Chef - Southbank employer: Caravan Restaurants
At Caravan, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer in the heart of London, offering a vibrant work culture that champions inclusivity and personal growth. As a Restaurant Manager, you'll benefit from competitive wages, comprehensive training programmes, and a supportive environment that encourages career progression while enjoying delicious meals and discounts. Join us in our commitment to outstanding hospitality and sustainability, where your leadership will help shape memorable experiences for both guests and team members alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef - Southbank
✨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 Caravan Restaurants. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Caravan Restaurants
Don't be shy about reaching out to Caravan Restaurants 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 Senior Sous Chef - Southbank
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 Caravan Restaurants 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 Caravan Restaurants
✨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!
