At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist the Head Chef in creating and delivering exceptional food experiences.
- Company: Join a unique hospitality team at Brownsea Castle, a stunning Tudor castle.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible shifts, and a beautiful island work environment.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with opportunities for personal development and creativity.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team and develop your culinary skills in a historic setting.
- Qualifications: Food Safety Level 3 and professional chef qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 30600 - 41700 £ per year.
About the role
Working on an island, living in a Tudor castle on the National Trust run Brownsea Castle, you will be part of our team dedicated to providing first‑class hospitality. The role includes a fast‑paced kitchen environment and we offer flexible shift work, including weekends and evenings. There is private boat service from Poole Quay and Salterns Marina to transport staff. Parking is available on BCP Council car park and on‑road parking at Salterns Marina.
Salary: £30,600 – £41,700 per year
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern: Varied shifts, including weekends and evenings.
Location: Brownsea Castle
Responsibilities:
- Assist the Head Chef to plan, produce, and deliver the club’s food offering and uphold presentation standards.
- Take responsibility for the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence.
- Lead the team to deliver food safety compliance.
- Train and develop chefs and kitchen porters in all aspects of food preparation.
- Develop partner and team performance through performance management tools.
- Achieve profit and GP targets by controlling food and pay costs and managing rotas.
- Achieve sales targets by ensuring the front‑of‑house team is equipped to upsell.
- Drive catering sales to meet or exceed budget.
- Maintain product knowledge and culinary expertise.
- Conduct daily compliance checks and maintain records (temperature logs, cleaning schedules, chemical use, PPE, H&S, food safety policies).
- Meet all legislative requirements for the catering environment, including allergens.
- Act in accordance with the Partnership’s purpose and democratic principles.
Essential skills/experience:
- Food Safety Level 3.
- Professional chef qualifications (City & Guilds diplomas, BTEC HNC or equivalent).
- Proven leadership skills.
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Commercial awareness of GP and price‑point limits.
- Ability to interpret and enforce food safety policies and health‑and‑safety regulations.
- Understanding of HACCP.
- Team player.
- Committed to personal development and maintaining up‑to‑date food styles.
Desirable skills/experience:
- Influencer, motivator, or coach experience.
- Pleasure in developing the food offering.
- Creativity in food service.
- Ability to adapt menu items for individual requirements.
Important points to note:
- Some roles are subject to pre‑employment vetting, which may involve DBS checks and financial probity checks. Applicants are encouraged to complete vetting documents promptly.
- Vacancies may close early if a high volume of applications is received.
- Reasonable adjustments for disabilities are available.
- We support flexible working arrangements such as compressed hours, job sharing, or reduced‑hour contracts where possible.
Sous Chef in Poole employer: ENGINEERINGUK
Working at Brownsea Castle offers a unique opportunity to be part of a dedicated team in a stunning location, where first-class hospitality is at the heart of our mission. With flexible shift patterns, a supportive work culture, and a commitment to employee development, we ensure that our staff thrive both personally and professionally. Enjoy the benefits of living on an island, with convenient transport options and a vibrant culinary environment that fosters creativity and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Poole
✨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 ENGINEERINGUK. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to ENGINEERINGUK
Don't be shy about reaching out to ENGINEERINGUK 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 Poole
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 ENGINEERINGUK 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 ENGINEERINGUK
✨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!
