Sous Chef - Banqueting in Exeter

Sous Chef - Banqueting in Exeter

Exeter Full-Time 40549 - 40549 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
De Vere Wokefield Estate

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the Head Chef in delivering high-quality food for events and dining.
  • Company: Join De Vere Wokefield, a vibrant hotel and events operation.
  • Benefits: Earn £40,549 plus perks like gym access and a free annual stay.
  • Other info: Enjoy career growth opportunities and a fun, supportive team culture.
  • Why this job: Be part of a passionate team creating memorable experiences for guests.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef in high-volume environments is essential.

The predicted salary is between 40549 - 40549 £ per year.

Are you a Sous Chef looking to progress your career within a high-volume hotel and events operation? Join the brigade at De Vere Wokefield, where our kitchen operation delivers high-volume conferences, events, weddings and all-day dining across our restaurant, bar and lounge spaces.

In return, this role offers £40,549 per year plus excellent benefits including free use of the gym facilities, a complimentary 2-night stay with us every year, additional overnight stays for £50 per room, time off over the Christmas period and a paid day off for your birthday in addition to your holiday entitlement.

As a Sous Chef, you will support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, helping to deliver consistently high standards across all of our food outlets. Working across all areas of the kitchen, you'll remain hands-on during service while supporting stock control, food cost management and kitchen organisation to ensure the smooth running of the operation. You'll also play an important role in developing the brigade through coaching, mentoring and training junior chefs, helping to create a positive and high-performing kitchen culture.

What we look for in a Sous Chef:

  • Previous experience within a Sous Chef role in a high-volume hotel, conference or banqueting environment
  • Proven experience delivering high-quality food whilst maintaining consistency during busy service periods
  • A strong team player who leads by example and remains calm under pressure
  • Experience supporting stock management, ordering processes and food cost control
  • Excellent organisational skills with a keen eye for detail and high standards
  • A passion for coaching and developing junior chefs within the brigade
  • Strong understanding of food hygiene, health & safety and kitchen compliance standards
  • Most importantly, a positive, hands-on and supportive approach within the kitchen team

The Pay & Benefits:

At De Vere we pay attention to the thoughtful details that inspire the loyalty of our permanent colleagues. That's why we are proud to offer the following benefits for the role of Sous Chef - Banqueting:

  • £40,549 per year plus a share of the Restaurant service charge
  • 31 days holiday each year (increasing annually up to 33 days)
  • An extra paid day off for your birthday, along with a £20 love to shop voucher
  • An annual complimentary 2-night stay with dinner in a De Vere property of your choice
  • £50 colleague rates for overnight stays at De Vere properties
  • 50% discount on Food & Beverage
  • Access to our Apprenticeship programmes and study support
  • Employee Assistance Programme providing 24/7 health and wellbeing support
  • Company Life Assurance scheme
  • Monthly colleague recognition programme, You Are De Vere
  • Regular team appreciation events, including memorable Christmas and Summer parties

De Vere Wokefield Estate set in 250 acres of rural Berkshire parkland is home to a historic Mansion House filled with traditional features and the contemporary Wokefield Place that offers state of the art facilities. It has 376 bedrooms and suites, 39 meeting rooms with large event space and a high tech dedicated conference building, an 18-hole PGA approved championship golf course and leisure club.

Your commute: just outside Reading, we're 10 minutes from J11 of the M4, with fast and direct trains from London Paddington to Reading Train station.

At De Vere, we warmly welcome everyone and foster a sense of belonging, where each person is valued and appreciated. Join our team and become part of a passionate group of individuals who genuinely care about the experiences we create for our guests and colleagues.

Sous Chef - Banqueting in Exeter employer: De Vere Wokefield Estate

De Vere Wokefield is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its team members. With a strong focus on career progression, generous benefits including a complimentary annual stay, and a vibrant work culture that celebrates achievements, employees thrive in a supportive environment. Located in the picturesque Berkshire parkland, the hotel offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern facilities, making it an inspiring place to work for those passionate about hospitality.

De Vere Wokefield Estate

Contact Details:

De Vere Wokefield Estate Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - Banqueting in Exeter

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who might know about openings at De Vere. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish or two to share during an informal meet-up or event. It’s a great way to showcase your culinary talents and make a memorable impression.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to the kitchen team at De Vere Wokefield. Express your interest in the Sous Chef position and ask if they’d be open to a chat about potential opportunities.

Tip Number 4

Keep it positive! When you do get an interview, focus on your passion for cooking and mentoring junior chefs. Show them you’re not just about the food but also about building a great team culture in the kitchen.

We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef - Banqueting in Exeter

High-Volume Kitchen Experience
Food Quality Control
Team Leadership
Stock Management
Food Cost Control
Organisational Skills
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and mentoring shine through. We want to see how excited you are about the role and how you can contribute to our kitchen culture.

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in high-volume environments, especially in banqueting or hotel settings. We love seeing specific examples of how you've maintained quality under pressure!

Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We’re looking for a strong team player who can lead by example, so show us what makes you unique and how you fit into our supportive kitchen team.

Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of joining our team, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on the path to becoming part of our brigade!

How to prepare for a job interview at De Vere Wokefield Estate

Know Your Kitchen Basics

Before heading into the interview, brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your experience in high-volume environments, especially how you've maintained quality during busy service periods. This will show that you understand the demands of the role.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Sous Chef, you'll be expected to lead by example. Think of specific instances where you've coached or mentored junior chefs. Share these stories during the interview to demonstrate your ability to foster a positive kitchen culture and support team development.

Be Ready for Practical Questions

Expect questions about stock management, food cost control, and kitchen compliance standards. Prepare examples from your past roles that highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can handle the operational side of the kitchen.

Emphasise Your Passion for Food Safety

Make sure to convey your strong understanding of food hygiene and health & safety regulations. Discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen practices. This not only shows your professionalism but also aligns with the high standards expected at De Vere.