At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our kitchen team to create amazing dining experiences and support the Head Chef.
- Company: Be part of The Venues Collection, a leader in hospitality and event spaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, healthcare, 23 days' leave, and more perks.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Develop your culinary skills and leadership in a vibrant, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and a passion for great food.
The predicted salary is between 31200 - 31200 £ per year.
Junior Sous Chef – Eastwood Hall, Nottingham | Full-Time / Permanent
£31,200 per annum + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.
We’re looking for a passionate and hands‑on Junior Sous Chef to join our kitchen team at Eastwood Hall!
Working closely with our Head Chef, you’ll help deliver fantastic food, keep our kitchen running smoothly and support the team in creating brilliant dining experiences for our guests.
If you love fresh ideas, take pride in the details and are ready to develop your leadership skills, this is a great opportunity to take the next step in your culinary career.
We are The Venues Collection
Great things happen when people get together in our spaces to meet and spaces to sleep.
From conferences, meetings and training to every business event in between, our venues offer welcoming spaces where guests and colleagues can be themselves.
The Venues Collection is part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, bringing together distinctive venues with stylish event spaces and hotel‑style residential and leisure facilities.
Our passionate hospitality teams work hard to create memorable experiences through exceptional food, warm service and attention to detail.
We’re committed to doing the right thing for our people and our planet, with a focus on sustainability, wellbeing, diversity and inclusion.
Join us and grow your career with an industry leader, with great benefits, ongoing development and plenty of opportunities to learn.
Junior Sous Chef – The Role
Working alongside the Head Chef, you’ll play an important role in the day‑to‑day running of the kitchen, helping maintain high standards of food quality, hygiene and service while supporting and developing the wider team.
Your responsibilities will include
- Supporting the Head Chef with the planning, organisation and smooth running of the kitchen.
- Helping prepare and deliver consistently high‑quality dishes, ensuring food presentation, portion sizes and temperatures meet our standards.
- Supervising food preparation and production across the kitchen, ensuring dishes are ready to the right standard and on time.
- Maintaining excellent kitchen hygiene and ensuring cleaning schedules are followed across all working areas.
- Following food safety procedures, including HACCP requirements, and ensuring allergen information is handled accurately and responsibly.
- Supporting food ordering, stock control and rotation, ensuring ingredients are stored correctly and available to meet business demands.
- Monitoring food waste and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and make the most of our ingredients.
- Assisting with menu planning, menu costing and purchasing to support food quality, gross profit targets and budget requirements.
- Helping manage kitchen rotas in line with occupancy and business demand, supporting effective labour and wage cost control.
- Leading by example and helping motivate, train and develop kitchen colleagues, from welcoming new starters to supporting ongoing learning.
- Promoting good communication across the kitchen and working closely with colleagues throughout the venue to deliver excellent guest experiences.
- Helping maintain a positive team culture, supporting colleague development and encouraging high standards of performance.
- Keeping up to date with food trends and cooking techniques, bringing fresh ideas and creativity to our food offering.
- Supporting the Head Chef with departmental administration, stock records and the accurate recording of supplies and costs.
- Deputising for the Head Chef when required, helping ensure the kitchen continues to operate smoothly.
- Following all company policies and procedures, including health and safety, fire safety and other relevant legal requirements.
- Contributing to our wider commitments to sustainability, responsible food practices and creating a positive working environment.
- What we’re looking for
- Experience working in a professional kitchen, ideally in a similar role within hospitality, hotels, conferences or events.
- Strong culinary skills and a genuine passion for preparing and delivering great food.
- The confidence to support and supervise a kitchen team, leading by example and encouraging others to do their best.
- A good understanding of food hygiene, health and safety, HACCP and allergen management.
- Knowledge of food ordering, stock rotation, waste reduction and kitchen cost control.
- An understanding of menu planning, portion control and the importance of working within budgets.
- Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks in a busy kitchen.
- A positive, hands‑on attitude and the flexibility to adapt to changing business demands.
- A passion for developing your skills and supporting the growth of those around you.
- An NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery or an equivalent qualification would be an advantage.
- An intermediate food hygiene qualification would be desirable.
- What you’ll get in return
- Competitive salary of £31,200 per annum.
- 23 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off and a holiday purchase scheme.
- Healthcare benefits through Medicash, including dental, optical and therapy treatments.
- Aviva Digicare, including a free annual healthcare check.
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, plus additional family‑friendly benefits.
- An additional two days’ leave following your return from maternity leave during your first year back, and a day off for your baby’s first birthday.
- Exclusive shopping, entertainment and travel discounts through our Benefits & Wellbeing platform.
- Discounts on cinema tickets, Nuffield Health memberships, Pure Gym memberships and more.
- Pension scheme, Life Assurance and preferred rates on salary finance products.
- Meals on duty.
- Ongoing training, development opportunities and structured career pathways.
- Paid professional subscriptions where applicable.
- Financial wellbeing support and Vodafone discounts.
- A structured induction programme to help you settle into the business and your role.
Why Join Us?
The Venues Collection is part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, a leading name in hospitality and support services.
We believe in celebrating individuality and building inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong.
Our diverse teams bring creativity, passion and fresh ideas to everything they do.
Whether you’re looking to develop your culinary skills, grow your leadership experience or take the next step towards becoming a Head Chef, we’ll support you to reach your potential.
We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.
Together, we create unforgettable experiences – one plate at a time.
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers.
We respect and celebrate the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds and abilities of all our team members, because diversity is our strength!
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Junior Sous Chef- Eastwood Hall in Nottingham employer: Compass Group UK
Compass Group UK&I is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where culinary creativity and service excellence thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to training and development opportunities that empower you to advance your career in the catering industry. Located in a vibrant setting, our team-oriented culture fosters collaboration and ensures that every member feels valued and supported in delivering exceptional food experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef- Eastwood Hall in Nottingham
✨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 Compass Group UK. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Compass Group UK
Don't be shy about reaching out to Compass Group UK 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 Junior Sous Chef- Eastwood Hall in Nottingham
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 Compass Group UK 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 Compass Group UK
✨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!
