At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring high standards and smooth operations.
- Company: BAO Kings Cross, a vibrant restaurant with a focus on Taiwanese cuisine.
- Benefits: Work-life balance, paid overtime, and discounts across all BAO restaurants.
- Other info: Enjoy unique perks like BAOcoin rewards and fun social clubs.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and grow your culinary career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior Sous Chef or strong Sous Chef in a quality kitchen.
BAO Kings Cross is looking for a Senior Sous Chef to help lead the kitchen team with care, clarity, and consistency. This is a key role in the day-to-day running of the kitchen - perfect for someone who takes pride in high standards and supports others to do their best work. You'll work closely with the Head Chef, helping to set the tone on shift, guide the team, and keep service running smoothly.
At BAO, we believe in building kitchens where people can grow, with a 6-shift week to support better balance and a strong focus on development. We care about doing things properly - from the quality of our ingredients to how we run our kitchens. This role is all about consistency, standards, and leading by example. You'll work closely with the Executive Chef to deliver our menus to the highest standard, manage the day-to-day kitchen operation, and support your team to do their best work. This is a key leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, quality-led environment and is looking to take the next step in their culinary career.
What you'll be doing:
- Supporting the Head Chef in running smooth, efficient day-to-day kitchen operations
- Leading service and maintaining quality, consistency, and presentation across every dish
- Managing prep schedules, ordering, stock control, and kitchen organisation
- Coaching and supporting junior team members - helping build a kind and capable kitchen culture
- Assisting with rota planning, costings, and food safety compliance
Experience:
- Experience as a Senior Sous Chef or strong Sous Chef in a quality-focused kitchen
- Confident in kitchen systems and structure - you know what 'good' looks like
- A calm, organised and detail-focused approach to leadership
- Someone who leads with kindness, communicates clearly, and sets a great example on shift
About the Restaurant:
Just a stone's throw from the station, BAO Kings Cross is our largest and most versatile restaurant. Designed with warm wooden panelling and clean architectural lines, the space offers a calm, considered backdrop to enjoy our full BAO menu - from fluffy steamed Bao to bold Taiwanese small plates and rice dishes. The restaurant features a large, open dining room, a private mezzanine space for group dining, and a relaxed terrace perfect for sunny days. It's a dynamic restaurant that welcomes everything from quick solo lunches to special celebrations.
About BAO:
BAO quite literally means steamed bun. But BAO means so much more than that, a cult brand with a cult following that aims to inspire with design through food. Founded in 2013 by family trio, Erchen Chang, Shing Tat Chung and Wai Ting Chung in a carpark in East London to now spanning 7 restaurants across London, where each has its own story of Taiwanese Culture with unique experience, narrative and menu. At BAO we seek people who warm our souls through cooking and hospitality. We strive to cultivate an environment where our design is inspiring, where our unconventional way of thinking brings humour and innovation; our detail challenges you to do your best. We want working at BAO to feel like stepping into a warm, fluffy bao - soft, supportive, and full of good stuff.
Benefits:
- Work-Life Balance: 6 shifts across 5 days, with a maximum of one double shift
- Paid overtime
- Rotas released two weeks in advance so you can plan ahead
- Growth & Development: Personalised development plans tailored to your goals
- Access to School of BAO, a series of talks, workshops and fieldtrips
- Perks & Discounts: Up to 50% off food and drink across all BAO restaurants and discounts across friends in the industry
- Access to curated wine and meat suppliers at trade prices
- Rewards & Recognition: BAOcoin - earn rewards for living BAO values, then spend them in the BAOshop
- BAO Pyramid Scheme - earn up to £500 for referring someone to join the team
- Milestones: Extra holiday and perks to celebrate work anniversaries and milestones
- Celebrations: Annual Wei Ya & BAO Awards Party
- BAO Social Clubs: Grandma's Home Cooking Club, Hot Pot Supperclub
Kings Cross - Senior Sous Chef - BAO Kings Cross - London employer: Chef & Cook
Join our vibrant café in London, where we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture. As a Key Holder & All-Round Café Pro, you'll enjoy flexible shifts, opportunities for personal growth, and the chance to develop your skills in a fast-paced environment while delivering exceptional service to our valued customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kings Cross - Senior Sous Chef - BAO Kings Cross - London
✨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 Chef & Cook. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chef & Cook
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chef & Cook 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!
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 Chef & Cook 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 Chef & Cook
✨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!
