At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and create bold, flavour-packed dishes.
- Company: Chiquito, where individuality and passion for food are celebrated.
- Benefits: Hourly pay, 50% off food, career growth opportunities, and wellness support.
- Other info: Enjoy team events, competitions, and a supportive, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and make a real impact in a fast-paced kitchen.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen and a passion for leading teams.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
Step Up in the Kitchen – Become a Sous Chef at Chiquito! At Chiquito, we’re all about bold flavours, sizzling dishes, and unforgettable experiences. If you’re passionate about food, thrive in a fast‑paced kitchen, and love leading a team to success, we’d love to welcome you as a Sous Chef!
Why Join Chiquito?
- Hourly pay and opportunity to earn Tronc.
- A Place for Everyone – We celebrate individuality and welcome anyone who brings passion, energy and a love for bold cooking.
- Awesome Discounts – 50% off food and drink across all Big Table Group brands, plus 25% off for friends & family.
- Career Growth – Fully funded apprenticeships in Hospitality Management (Level 4).
- Wellbeing & Support – Our Employee Assistance Program includes a 24/7 virtual GP, mental health support, second medical opinion service, and more.
- Perks & Rewards – Early access to wages, discounted gym memberships, and exclusive savings on theme parks, shopping, and more!
- Team Competitions & Events – Win trips, join team parties, and earn e‑points to spend on your favourite brands.
What You’ll Do as a Sous Chef:
- Support the Head Chef in leading the kitchen team and delivering bold, flavour‑packed dishes.
- Cook to spec and maintain high standards of food quality and presentation.
- Help train and develop the kitchen team, creating a positive and motivated environment.
- Maintain top hygiene and safety standards at all times.
- Step up and take charge when the Head Chef is away.
Who We’re Looking For:
We’re looking for a kitchen leader—someone who’s confident, calm under pressure, and passionate about food and people. If you’ve got experience in a busy kitchen and love creating a positive, high‑performing team culture, we want to hear from you. At Chiquito, our teams are like family. We put people at the heart of everything we do, creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace where you can be yourself, feel supported, and grow your career. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process, just let us know – we’ve got you. Ready to spice up your career? Apply now and bring your flavour to Chiquito!
Sous Chef employer: CQ Portsmouth
Contact Detail:
CQ Portsmouth Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen culture at Chiquito! Before your interview, check out their social media and website to see what they're all about. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in their bold flavours and vibrant atmosphere.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills and be ready to showcase them! If you get the chance, ask if you can do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This is your moment to shine and show off your passion for food and leadership in a fast-paced kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your teamwork skills! Chiquito values a positive kitchen environment, so share examples of how you've led a team or supported your colleagues in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just a great cook, but also a fantastic team player.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing the job! We love seeing applications come directly from passionate candidates who are excited about joining our family. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your experiences in the kitchen and what bold flavours mean to you. We want to see your personality and passion come alive on the page.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase any leadership experience you have. Talk about how you've motivated others and created a positive environment in previous roles. We’re all about teamwork here!
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your past jobs; dive into the details! Mention specific dishes you've cooked, techniques you've mastered, or challenges you've overcome in a busy kitchen. This helps us understand how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll get to see all the exciting opportunities we have at Chiquito. Let’s spice up your career together!
How to prepare for a job interview at CQ Portsmouth
✨Know Your Flavours
Before the interview, brush up on Chiquito's menu and their signature dishes. Being able to discuss your favourite flavours and how you can contribute to their bold cooking style will show your passion for food and understanding of their brand.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen or trained staff in the past. Highlighting your ability to create a positive environment will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Safety
Chiquito values top hygiene and safety standards. Be ready to discuss your experience with maintaining these standards in a busy kitchen. Mention any relevant certifications or training that demonstrate your commitment to food safety.
✨Be Yourself
Chiquito celebrates individuality, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your passion for cooking and how you connect with your team. This will help them see how you fit into their family-oriented culture.