Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious menus and lead a talented kitchen team at Kensington Palace.
- Company: Join Company of Cooks, a leader in vibrant food experiences across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy personal development, healthcare support, and a great wellbeing strategy.
- Why this job: Make an impact with your culinary creativity in a historic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract catering or high-end restaurants, strong communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible hours, regular social events, and opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 45000 £ 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 beautiful site at Kensington Palace in London.
Location: The orangery restaurant, W8 4PX
Rate of Pay: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum inclusive of tronc
Working Pattern: 40 hours per week, based on 5 days out of 7, starting time 08:00 finishing 17:00
Key Responsibilities:
- To invent and create menus that are in line with client and customer needs
- To produce food in a timely fashion to ensure smooth service to the customers
- Responsible for training and development of team of 7 including CDP, commis chef
- Overall support with 170 covers indoor and 60 covers on the terrace (during summer season)
- Reporting to Head Chef you will be managing overall sales during breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea
- To enjoy the food you produce and ensure they are ‘picture perfect’ every time
- To assist in developing and producing new service styles and food concepts
- To communicate with the relevant parties requirements for planned menus and order necessary ingredients
Ideal Candidate:
- Ideally have Contract Catering background but will consider candidates from high end restaurant
- Must be a good organiser and excellent communication with the team
- Be confident with all the Food & Safety and Health and Safety
- Be flexible and approachable
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
- Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion
- Eye care
- A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
- Family friendly support
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders
- A holiday purchase scheme
- Volunteering days
- Professional subscriptions
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Long service awards
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers
Sous Chef in Hemel Hempstead employer: Compass Group UK
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Hemel Hempstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend food festivals, culinary events, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have a lead on your dream Sous Chef position!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your unique menu ideas or cooking techniques. Let them see your passion for food and how you can bring their restaurant to life.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about following up! After an interview or meeting, drop a quick thank-you note. It shows you’re keen and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your excitement about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented Sous Chefs like you. Plus, it’s a straightforward way to get your application noticed by the right people at Company of Cooks.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that you care about creating brilliant dishes that bring joy to our guests.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Sous Chef role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in contract catering or high-end restaurants, and how it aligns with our values of Craft, Creativity, and Community.
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 why you’d be a great fit for our team.
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 community at Company of Cooks!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary knowledge, especially around menu creation and food presentation. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would elevate them, as this shows your passion for food and creativity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully trained or developed others in the kitchen. Highlight your communication style and how you foster a collaborative environment.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with Company of Cooks' values of Craft, Creativity, and Community. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate this alignment during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills in a busy kitchen. Practice articulating your thought process when faced with challenges, such as managing high volume service or dealing with dietary restrictions.
