At a Glance
- Tasks: Create unforgettable dishes and lead a dynamic kitchen team for exciting live events.
- Company: Join Convene, a global hospitality brand focused on memorable experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, health perks, and a bonus scheme.
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a fun, creative environment where your culinary skills shine.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for food.
The predicted salary is between 25290 - 30910 £ per year.
Please note: The candidate must currently reside in the UK and be able to work in the UK without sponsorship.
At Convene we are all about bringing people together, to create unforgettable moments and events that leave our guests talking about us for not just weeks but in years to come. Our chefs and Sous Chefs are the true driving force in our kitchens that make our events stand out from the rest, creating incredible dishes that leave our clients and their guests wanting more every time. Understanding that the Chef world is challenging, fun, and hard work our Sous Chefs usually work on a Monday-Friday basis on a 40 hour contract (it's almost too good to be true right!? We even close for Christmas).
What You'll Do:
- All things food: Ensure the prompt service of all meals and services at the required times to the companies standards and to the delegates satisfaction.
- Under the instruction of the Head Chef, be responsible for the preparation & presentation of the food needed for consumption in the restaurant, and be available at service periods.
- Assist the chef with the planning and costing of all menus as required.
- To ensure that the methods of preparation and presentation comply with the current recognised catering standards under the guidance of the Head Chef.
- To prepare and assist at special functions which may fall outside normal working hours.
- Looking after our people: Assist the Head Chef in effectively managing all members of the back of house food service team on a day to day basis, implementing training and development programmes.
- In the Head Chef's absence to have weekly team meetings to discuss past and future week and any operational and staffing issues.
- Manage and support any performance management issues with the team and after consultation with the general manager take appropriate action.
- Prepare the weekly staff rota & fill out timesheets.
- Ensure high standards of appearance are maintained within the catering department.
- Operational and Customer Service: Order any food and beverages needed to ensure the smooth running of the day to day running of the Food and beverage department.
- Liaising with the facilities supervisor to order any disposable & cleaning items needed to ensure the smooth running of the food and beverage department.
- Ensure that all the waiting staff are familiar with the daily menu including content and explanation, ensuring that a de-brief takes place before each daily service and portion control is monitored.
- To ensure any client requests and comments are responded to promptly and reported to the Venue Senior Management Team.
- Serving on hot counters to ensure that the catering standards are met and are running in accordance with the booking schedule and all clients requirements are met and exceeded.
- To liaise in advance with the events team to determine the forthcoming weeks events, numbers and specific catering and operational requirements to support the smooth running of all events.
- To conduct quality and standards checks each morning around the catering area.
- To have presence in all restaurant areas to ensure that the catering standards are met and are running in accordance with the booking schedule and all clients requirements are met and exceeded.
- To ensure a high level of service from the food service team at all times.
- Financial: To become familiar with the venue budget, forecast and business plans, providing input in relation to the catering department.
- Work with the head chef to ensure that all food and beverage expenses are kept in line with the budget and flexed for forecast, whilst maintaining a consistently high quality product and standards.
- In the head chef's absence to ensure full administration of all invoices, inputting all information onto the food & non food purchase record sheet and sending to accounts for processing.
- To work alongside the front of house team to ensure that there is effective stock rotation system within the department and reconciliation takes place on a weekly basis.
- To ensure stock levels are maintained to an adequate standard to support the needs of the department and venue at all times.
- In the head chef's absence provide the General Manager with the relevant monthly information required relating to stock and purchasing for the Food and Beverage department.
- In the head chef's absence control the staff budget for temporary staff within the back of house food services team and ensure all overtime payments are pre-authorised by the General Manager.
What We Look For:
- Experience managing and developing kitchen teams.
- To carry out any reasonable management requests including duty management shifts.
- Ability to build good working relationships with all other areas of the venue team.
- To support the venue team including assisting with client events that may fall outside of normal working hours and weekends.
- Attend any company events/training as requested by the senior management team.
Who We Are:
Convene Hospitality Group (CHG) operates a global portfolio of lifestyle brands focused on creating places and experiences that bring people together. The company designs, develops, and operates hospitality-driven destinations to host gatherings of all kinds, ranging from small corporate meetings to immersive brand activations and beyond. We love bringing people together in person, and that passion for great experiences extends to our employees as well. If you're interested in creating inspiring moments of connection, consider joining our team.
We're Here For You:
- Health and Wellness: Private medical insurance, Subsidised eye care, Subsidised fitness membership, Employee Assistance Program: well-being support and personal advice programme.
- Time Off and Work-Life Balance: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and company sick pay, An extra day's holiday for your birthday!
- Financial Support and Benefits: Bonus scheme, Interest-free loan for rail season tickets & further education, Subsidised bicycle purchase through Cycle to Work scheme.
- Professional Development and Recognition: Continuous professional and personal development support, Employee recognition and reward programs to mark achievements and milestones.
- Community and Impact: Opportunities to volunteer, donate, and participate in community give-back initiatives, The opportunity to have a significant impact on your team and the business in the work that you do.
Sous Chef employer: Convene Hospitality Group
Convene Hospitality Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Manchester where teamwork and creativity thrive. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and growth opportunities, ensuring that every team member can develop their skills while contributing to memorable guest experiences. With a focus on high-quality service and a supportive environment, working here means being part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨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 Convene Hospitality Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Convene Hospitality Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Convene Hospitality Group 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 Sous Chef
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 Convene Hospitality Group 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 Convene Hospitality Group
✨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!
