At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create amazing dishes for our guests.
- Company: Join the vibrant Hillyard House Hotel in beautiful Castlewellan.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, staff meals, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a respected hotel with a focus on quality.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting food-led venue and showcase your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Chef de Partie ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 31000 £ per year.
Hillyard House Hotel, Castlewellan is looking for a talented and passionate Sous Chef to join our kitchen team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a chef who takes pride in fresh food, strong standards, and being part of a busy hotel and restaurant kitchen. We are looking for someone who can support the Head Chef, lead by example, and help deliver excellent food across breakfast, lunch, dinner, events, and private dining.
The Role
As Sous Chef, you will play a key part in the day-to-day running of the kitchen. You will help lead the team, maintain high food standards, support menu development, and ensure every dish leaving the kitchen reflects the quality and reputation of Hillyard House Hotel.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Head Chef in the daily running of the kitchen
- Maintain excellent food quality, presentation, and consistency
- Help train, motivate, and supervise junior chefs and kitchen porters
- Assist with stock control, ordering, prep lists, and kitchen organisation
- Ensure food hygiene, HACCP, and health & safety standards are fully maintained
- Help deliver smooth service across restaurant, bar, hotel, and event dining
- Bring ideas, passion, and creativity to the kitchen team
What We're Looking For
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Chef de Partie ready to step up
- A passion for fresh, quality food
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Ability to work well under pressure in a busy kitchen
- Excellent attention to detail
- A positive attitude and pride in your work
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and busy service periods
What We Offer
- Competitive rate of pay
- Full-time position
- Opportunity to grow within a respected hotel and restaurant
- Supportive team environment
- Staff meals and benefits
- A chance to be part of an exciting food-led venue in the heart of Castlewellan
Location: Hillyard House Hotel, Castlewellan, County Down
Pay: £41,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits: Company events, Company pension, Discounted or free food, Employee discount, Free parking, On-site parking
Work Location: In person
Sous Chef in Castlewellan employer: Eight5Zero Group
Hillyard House Hotel in Castlewellan offers an exceptional work environment for culinary professionals, where creativity and passion for fresh food are celebrated. With a strong focus on employee development, our supportive culture encourages growth through training and mentorship, ensuring that every team member can thrive in their role. Join us to be part of a dynamic kitchen team that values excellence and teamwork, all while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Castlewellan.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Castlewellan
✨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 Eight5Zero Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Eight5Zero Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Eight5Zero 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 in Castlewellan
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 Eight5Zero 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 Eight5Zero 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!
