At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team and create delicious meals at Kew Gardens.
- Company: Join Company of Cooks, a leader in culinary experiences across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, personal development, and a great wellbeing strategy.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that brings cultural destinations to life through food.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for high-quality food.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 € per year.
We are Company of Cooks, and we believe brilliant food and drink starts with brilliant people. For over 25 years, we've been part of some of the UK's most loved cultural destinations, from historic palaces and botanical gardens to buzzing galleries and performance spaces, running the cafés, restaurants, bars and events that bring these incredible places to life.
Our values - Craft, Creativity and Community - guide everything we do. They shape how we work together, how we support our partners, and how we make each guest feel welcome. If you care about food, people and doing things properly, you'll feel right at home here.
Wherever we are, we do more than serve. We bring places to life through food, service and creativity and we're looking for a Sous Chef to join our team at Kew gardens the orangery in London.
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Working Pattern: 40 hours per week - 5 over 7 days
Location: Kew gardens the orangery, London, TW9 3AB (Onsite parking available)
Key responsibilities:
- Oversee a daytime operation serving breakfast (10:00-11:30) and lunch (12:00-15:00 / 16:00 in high season)
- Deliver a food offer in line with a Farmer J-style concept
- Overall responsibility for managing a kitchen team of 6
- Ensure smooth day-to-day kitchen operations with meals provided
- To prepare and oversee all preparation of food to the highest standard
- To produce food in a timely manner to ensure smooth service
- To ensure all appropriate ingredients are available for the menus
- To develop and plan menus in line with client and customer expectations
- To be creative with menu planning, involving both client and customers
- To take pride in food quality and hygiene standards
- Provide feedback, support and coaching to the team
- Ensure the team has up-to-date COSHH and Food Hygiene training
What's in it for you?
Working with Company of Cooks has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.
- Personal Development and Training opportunities
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension scheme
- Holiday allowance
- Eye care
- A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
- Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion
- Family friendly support
- A holiday purchase scheme
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders
- Volunteering days
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Long service awards
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers
Company of Cooks officially formed part of CH&CO Catering Group Ltd in 2020.
A Honest Approach, A Passionate Team, Quietly Confident
Sous Chef - Kew gardens The Orangery in Islington employer: CH&CO
At Company of Cooks, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values Craft, Creativity, and Community. As a Sous Chef at Kew Gardens The Orangery, you'll enjoy competitive benefits including personal development opportunities, a supportive wellbeing strategy, and a chance to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering outstanding culinary experiences in one of London's most beautiful settings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - Kew gardens The Orangery in Islington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, whether it's through social media or local events. We all know that sometimes it's not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream Sous Chef position.
✨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 gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen, and we reckon they'll be impressed!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to places you admire, like Kew Gardens The Orangery. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way, and we love seeing passionate chefs take the initiative.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Company of Cooks, where we value craft, creativity, and community.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef - Kew gardens The Orangery in Islington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your creativity in the kitchen and how you connect with the culinary community.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Sous Chef role at Kew Gardens. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with our values of Craft, Creativity, and Community. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget 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 shows you’re keen to join our team at Company of Cooks!
How to prepare for a job interview at CH&CO
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of ingredients and dishes that align with the Farmer J-style concept. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate seasonal produce into your menu planning, showcasing your creativity and understanding of quality food.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past, focusing on your coaching style and how you ensure everyone is up-to-date with food hygiene standards. This will demonstrate your ability to foster a positive kitchen environment.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Food and Community
Company of Cooks values community and creativity. Share your personal experiences that highlight your passion for food and how you engage with customers. Discuss any initiatives you've taken to enhance guest experiences through food, which aligns with their mission.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Have thoughtful questions ready about the kitchen operations at Kew Gardens. Ask about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, or how they measure success in their food service. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
