At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head Chef in creating delicious dishes and managing kitchen operations.
- Company: Join Restaurant Associates at RHS Garden Wisley, a leader in premium hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, 20 days annual leave, and access to training and development.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal growth and career advancement.
- Why this job: Work in a stunning garden setting and be part of a creative, collaborative team.
- Qualifications: 3+ years as a Chef de Partie, strong cooking skills, and food safety knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 33000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £33,000 per annum
Location: RHS Garden Wisley
Contract Type: Full-time, permanent, site based, 5 over 7 days per week
Set within 240 acres of stunning gardens, Wisley is open all year round and offers a variety of food outlets, from a busy restaurant to welcoming cafés. You’ll be joining a friendly, hardworking team with a shared goal: delivering exceptional service to every visitor.
A Junior Sous Chef at Wisley will support the Head Chef in ensuring all dishes consistently meet RA Venues’ standards for quality, flavour, presentation, and sustainability. You will assist with seasonal menus, specials, and new dish launches, respond to guest feedback and allergen queries, and help maintain high visual and brand standards across counters, displays, and food offerings.
Operational responsibilities include:
- Portion control
- Recipe adherence
- Efficient mise en place
- Stock management
- Minimising waste
- Ensuring full compliance with the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) and all health, hygiene, and safety regulations
You will also supervise and support the kitchen team during prep, service, and close-down, assisting with training commis chefs and CDPs to consistently meet standards. This role involves fostering a positive, collaborative, and respectful kitchen culture, supporting onboarding of new team members, and encouraging personal development, ensuring the team is motivated, confident, and equipped to deliver an exceptional experience for every guest.
The Ideal Candidate:
- 3+ years’ experience as a Chef de Partie or Senior Chef de Partie in a high-volume, quality‑led kitchen
- Strong cooking skills with an understanding of seasonality
- Knowledge of food safety, health & safety, and allergen management
- Experience supervising a kitchen team
- Able to complete food safety records accurately
- Experience in contract catering or visitor‑attraction venues
- Level 2 or 3 food safety qualification
- Interest in bakery, deli, or counter‑style service
What can we offer you:
- A collaborative and inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued, and creativity is encouraged.
- The chance to work in a truly beautiful and inspiring setting, surrounded by nature and stunning gardens.
- 20 days annual leave (Excluding bank holidays and national holiday days)
- Free parking on site
- Free staff meals whilst at work.
- Access to Compass Group company perks & benefits.
- Perks for Works discounts and promotions
- Access to training, mentoring and development, with support from our wider Restaurant Associates and Compass Group UK networks.
- On‑site F&B discounts.
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. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, diverse, fun, and dynamic place to work with opportunities to collaborate with a wide range of teams plus a commitment to putting our people first. Restaurant Associates is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. As a business, we are committed to sustainability led practices and are proud to have achieved 3 stars with the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good Programme.
Junior Sous Chef - RHS Garden Wisley employer: Chartwells Independent
At Restaurant Associates, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture where creativity thrives, making us an exceptional employer for aspiring Junior Sous Chefs. Working at RHS Garden Wisley not only offers the chance to be part of a dedicated team in a stunning natural setting but also provides ample opportunities for personal development and career growth within a leading premium hospitality provider. Enjoy benefits such as free staff meals, on-site parking, and access to a wealth of training resources while contributing to our commitment to sustainability and high-quality dining experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef - RHS Garden Wisley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, take a stroll around RHS Garden Wisley. Familiarise yourself with the different food outlets and the vibe of the place. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their unique environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! During the interview, be ready to discuss specific dishes you've created or techniques you've mastered. Bring along a portfolio of your work if possible. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your passion for cooking and creativity in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be a team player! Highlight your experience in supervising and training kitchen staff. Share examples of how you've fostered a positive kitchen culture in the past. They want to see that you can lead and motivate others while maintaining high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, menu development, or sustainability practices at Wisley. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef - RHS Garden Wisley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your cooking skills and experience. We want to see how your background as a Chef de Partie or Senior Chef de Partie can bring value to our team at RHS Garden Wisley.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous jobs; tell us about your responsibilities and achievements. Mention any experience you have with seasonal menus, food safety, and supervising kitchen teams. This helps us understand how you fit into our collaborative culture.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep it professional. Share a bit about your passion for food and hospitality, and why you’re excited about the opportunity at Wisley. We want to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with seasonal ingredients and how they influence menu creation. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would incorporate fresh, local produce into the menu at RHS Garden Wisley.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Junior Sous Chef, you'll be supervising a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past, focusing on training and motivating others to meet high standards.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on food safety management systems and health regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen practices and how you handle allergen queries.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your ability to work within a team and foster a positive kitchen culture. Share experiences where you’ve collaborated with others to enhance service quality or resolve issues during busy service times.
