At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations and create high-quality dishes for visitors and events.
- Company: Join a premium hospitality provider with iconic venues across the UK.
- Benefits: Up to £37,000 salary, free meals, paid overtime, and 20 days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a historic setting while developing your culinary career.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in professional kitchens with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 37000 £ per year.
Location: Hatfield House – Coach House Kitchen, Old Palace, and Riding School
Salary: Up to £37,000 per annum + paid overtime over 40 hours
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent, 5 days out of 7, 40 hours per week over Monday–Sunday with some evenings.
Are you an experienced Sous Chef looking to take the next step in your culinary career? Do you want to work in a historic and inspiring environment, supporting a Head Chef to deliver a high-quality food experience to visitors and events at Hatfield House? We’re looking for a Sous Chef to join the team, assisting in managing kitchen operations and ensuring an exceptional dining experience across multiple outlets.
About the Role:
As Sous Chef at Hatfield House, you will support the Head Chef in leading the culinary operation across Coach House Kitchen, Old Palace, and Riding School events. This role involves helping manage kitchen teams, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, maintaining high food standards, and stepping in to lead in the Head Chef’s absence.
Your responsibilities will cover visitor dining, large-scale events, and high-quality food preparation. You will play a key role in operational efficiency, kitchen management, and the delivery of consistently excellent dishes for all visitors and events.
The successful candidate will be proactive, hands-on, and able to motivate the kitchen team, while maintaining strict adherence to food safety and health & safety standards.
What We Offer:
- 20 days holiday + bank holidays
- Free parking & easy access from the train station
- Free meals & hot drinks while on shift
- Free laundry cleaning
- Paid overtime over 40 hours
- Free access to Hatfield House and discounted events
- Compass reward scheme
- Supportive, values-driven team culture
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- A chance to make a meaningful impact in a continuously growing sector
Key Responsibilities:
- Kitchen Management: Assist in managing kitchen operations, leading a team of 5, ensuring consistent quality and efficiency across all outlets
- Food Safety & Compliance: Maintain high standards of hygiene, food safety, and health & safety
- Team Leadership: Manage and motivate kitchen staff, covering rota management and leading in the Head Chef’s absence
- Stock & Inventory: Oversee stock management, ordering, and waste control
- Preparation & Cooking: Prepare and cook high-quality dishes for visitors and events
- Service Support: Assist in plating and service, ensuring high-quality presentation
- Event Support: Deliver excellent catering for events at the Riding School and Old Palace
The Ideal Candidate:
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in professional kitchens, with management experience
- Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
- Knowledge of food safety, allergens, and health & safety regulations
- Ability to manage rotas, stock, and kitchen operations efficiently
- Creative, adaptable, and capable of working in a fast-paced environment
- Passionate about food, hospitality, and delivering a positive visitor experience
About Us:
Restaurant Associates is a leading premium hospitality provider with an ethos drawn from our history of fine and high-quality dining in London and New York. Within our venues team, we provide catering and hospitality services to some of the most iconic visitor attractions and destinations in the UK including the Imperial War Museum London, Glyndebourne Opera House, Knebworth House, Design Museum, Whipsnade Zoo and many more. Within these amazing venues we operate a host of bespoke cafés and restaurants, as well as delivering private events ranging from small meetings to large-scale ground events of up to 1000 people.
Sous Chef NEW RA Venues Posted today £37,000 per year Hatfield Chefs employer: Chartwells Independent
Compass Group UK&I is an exceptional employer located in Winchester, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises individuality and personal development. As a part-time Cafe Supervisor, you'll enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and the chance to advance your career within a leading hospitality organisation that values great customer service and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef NEW RA Venues Posted today £37,000 per year Hatfield Chefs
✨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 Chartwells Independent. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chartwells Independent
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chartwells Independent 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 NEW RA Venues Posted today £37,000 per year Hatfield Chefs
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 Chartwells Independent 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 Chartwells Independent
✨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!
