At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious dishes and lead a passionate kitchen team.
- Company: Join Caravan, a vibrant restaurant group with a focus on sustainability and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts, mental health support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career progression and a fun, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting culinary journey and make a real impact in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen environment and a passion for food.
The predicted salary is between 20 - 20 £ per hour.
Up to £20.00 per hour dependent on experience. At Caravan, we share a love of mighty fine coffee, hand crafted good food and friendly vibes. Since 2010, we have built our award-winning restaurants and roastery as well as investing time, money and resources into initiatives that have a positive impact on the world around us. We believe in pushing boundaries and challenging perceptions, championing people, community, diversity, inclusion and sustainability.
We're thrilled to have the opportunity to invite a fun, talented, prolific Sous Chef who knows how to support & inspire a team, and who's passionate about cuisine and wants to share that passion with their team & guests. We would love to hear from you if you’re up for a new venture and a fresh start. It’s an exciting time to join us as we’re looking forward to expanding in the coming years, with new openings on the horizon.
Benefits:
- Free meals & drinks when working
- Dining discount when visiting with family & friends
- Coffee discount
- Bike to work scheme
- Mental health and well-being support
- Financial health education and support
- Leadership training and development
- Birthday & Anniversary Treat - on your birthday and on your work anniversary, you'll receive a Caravan voucher to spend in any of our restaurants
- Development and career progression, 80% of all our management roles are filled internally
What you’ll be doing as a Caravan Sous Chef:
- You’ll be serving up our ‘well-travelled’ food, which is inspired by flavours from our founders’ native New Zealand, as well as their global travels.
- Support the restaurant team with our ‘Caravan of Love’ customer experience.
- You will work with your Head Chef to nurture and develop your team leading them from the front in every service.
- You will be open to learning in order to develop your knowledge and skills and you’ll take ownership of your role and your kitchen.
- We work with Fourth, FnB and Harri so it would be great if you have experience with these systems, although we can always show you the ropes if you haven’t.
Caravan Values:
- Caravan of Love
- No boundaries
- Well-travelled
- All welcome
Sustainability:
We expect our teams to support environmental stewardship targets and efficiency goals by following departmental environmental policies and monitoring own usage of vital resources such as energy, disposable goods, and food waste, to name a few.
Diversity & Inclusion:
All our teams must respect individual differences with regards to identity, national and cultural background, and level of experience in all interactions while at work, including with members of the public.
Sous Chef employer: Caravan Restaurants
At Caravan, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant work culture centred around community, diversity, and sustainability. As a Sous Chef, you'll enjoy benefits such as free meals, discounts, and comprehensive support for mental and financial well-being, alongside ample opportunities for career progression within our expanding restaurant group. Join us in crafting 'well-travelled' cuisine while being part of a team that values your passion and creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨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 Sous Chef
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!
