At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, create exciting specials, and support junior chefs.
- Company: Join a growing independent pub group with a passion for fresh food.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, tips, discounts, 28 days holiday, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with team socials and beautiful outdoor seating.
- Why this job: Showcase your culinary skills and progress to Head Chef in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 33200 - 36900 £ per year.
We are looking for a passionate Sous Chef who wants to develop their career and showcase their skills. At Craft Locals, we give our chefs the platform to grow, with clear progression to running their own kitchen in the future.
Situated in the heart of Chenies, just outside Chorleywood, The Red Lion is home to all who come across it. Our delightful seasonal menu features traditional pub classics, rich in local produce and finished with a contemporary touch. All of our dishes are freshly made to order by our wonderful team of chefs, who craft new and exciting plates every week.
This is your chance to join a growing independent pub group, take on responsibility in a fresh‑food kitchen, and build your career in a supportive environment.
What’s in it for you:
- Pay: £14.50–£16.10/hr (equivalent to £33,200–£36,900/year)
- Tips: Share of card tips
- Perks: 50% off food & 20% off drinks across the group, 28 days holiday, staff discount, team socials
- Training: Supplier visits, brewery trips, leadership development and menu design opportunities
- Autonomy: Input into specials and menus, with the freedom to showcase your skills
- Progression: Clear pathway to Head Chef
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading the kitchen team in the absence of the Head Chef
- Guiding, supporting and training junior chefs
- Assisting in menu development and creating specials
- Managing stock, ordering and food margins effectively
- Maintaining HACCP and all food safety compliance
- Helping to manage labour costs and kitchen financial performance
What we’re looking for:
- Experience in fresh‑food pubs or restaurants at Sous level or strong Junior Sous ready to step up
- A creative chef with good organisation and planning skills
- Skilled in costing dishes and managing margins
- Knowledgeable and trained in HACCP and food safety
- A leader with a positive attitude who motivates the team
- Ambitious and eager to progress to Head Chef in the future
This is your chance to take on real responsibility, influence the menu, and grow your career in a food‑led, independent pub group. Apply today and join the team.
Sous Chef - Lead Kitchen, Create Specials, Path to Head Chef in Rickmansworth employer: Craft Locals - The Red Lion
Craft Locals is an exceptional employer for aspiring chefs, offering a vibrant work culture in the picturesque setting of Chenies. With a clear pathway to Head Chef, our team enjoys extensive training opportunities, including supplier visits and leadership development, alongside generous perks like discounts and team socials. Join us to showcase your culinary skills in a supportive environment that values creativity and career growth.
Contact Details:
Craft Locals - The Red Lion Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - Lead Kitchen, Create Specials, Path to Head Chef in Rickmansworth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with chefs and industry folks at local events or online. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a dish or two to an interview or a casual meet-up. It’s a great way to demonstrate your creativity and passion for food right off the bat.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to places you admire, like Craft Locals, and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Take advantage of any training opportunities, like supplier visits or menu design workshops. This not only boosts your skills but also shows potential employers that you’re serious about your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef - Lead Kitchen, Create Specials, Path to Head Chef in Rickmansworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and the culinary arts shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating specials and leading a kitchen team, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in fresh-food pubs or restaurants, especially at the Sous Chef level. We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for, so customise it to fit the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to grow with us at Craft Locals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Craft Locals - The Red Lion
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the seasonal menu and any specials they’ve recently introduced. Being able to discuss your thoughts on their dishes and suggest potential new specials will show your passion and creativity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided and trained junior chefs in the past. Highlighting your leadership style and how you motivate others will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Brush up on HACCP and food safety compliance. Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented these standards in previous roles. This knowledge is crucial for maintaining high kitchen standards and will demonstrate your professionalism.
✨Express Your Ambition
Craft Locals is looking for someone eager to progress to Head Chef. Share your career aspirations and how you plan to achieve them. Showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but a long-term career path, will make you stand out.
