At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our kitchen team and support the Head Chef in delivering high-quality dishes.
- Company: Gees, a vibrant neighbourhood restaurant in North Oxford with a rich history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, meals on duty, discounts, and opportunities for career development.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive work environment with a sensible shift pattern and great team rewards.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting culinary journey and make your mark in modern British cooking.
- Qualifications: Experience in a similar role, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of food safety regulations.
Gees is North Oxford’s neighbourhood restaurant. Set within a unique, Grade II listed Victorian Conservatory, Gees has been welcoming guests for over four decades, and in Summer 2026 underwent a bold transformation. Gees' newest chapter offers an evolved take on Modern British cooking; taking pride in using only the freshest, carefully sourced ingredients, and combining nostalgic cuts with intuitive flavour combinations that evolve with the seasons. It continues as a well-established destination for adventurous, exciting and contemporary cooking.
Gees is part of 'The Oxford Collection'; a small, privately owned group of two luxury 5* hotels and apartments, three restaurants that consists of the Old Bank Hotel, the Old Parsonage Hotel, 36 St Giles, Parsonage Grill, Gees Restaurant & Bar, and Quod Restaurant & Bar. We have 80 bedrooms across three iconic properties in central Oxford, with unrivalled views across the city’s beautiful skyline.
We offer support, training, and development opportunities to help your career flourish. We believe that investment in each and every one of our ‘collectives’ is key to the success of our business and the happiness of our customers. As a member of the team, we are looking for an exceptional candidate who shares these values.
We are looking for an experienced Sous Chef to join our Gees Kitchen team.
The ideal candidate will:
- Work alongside the Head Chef
- Support the Head Chef in overseeing all aspects of the kitchen
- Ensure consistency in delivering the Restaurant’s high standards
- Ensure that the kitchen operates in an efficient and timely manner
- Have the ability to lead, inspire and motivate people
- Have excellent interpersonal communication, coaching and teamwork
- Have high-level written English, strong IT literacy
- Have previous management experience in a similar role
- Have knowledge of current Health & Safety, Fire Safety, Food Hygiene and Allergens legislation
- Have experience within a minimum 2-rosette food rated establishment
We offer a sensible shift pattern, across a 45-hour working week (Monday to Sunday rota with two days off) with an OTE up to £45,000.00 per annum, including non-contractual service charge (tronc).
Part-time hours may also be considered.
Sous Chef Benefits:
- Meals on duty
- 50% discount on food within our restaurants
- Complimentary ‘Manager’s meal’ within one of our restaurants every six months
- Up to £700 recruitment incentive
- Membership to our Employee Assistance Programme with Hospitality Action
- Pension scheme
- Opportunities to develop within the Company
- 28 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays per annum (pro-rata)
- A paid day off on your birthday
- Team awards and prizes
- Hospitality Rewards: offering discounted gym membership, high-street and online shopping discounts, discounted vouchers, a cashback card, and 24/7 online GP service
Interviews and a working trial with management, which may include a cook-off, will take place in Oxford as part of the recruitment process.
Eligibility to work within the UK must be proven and two references should be available on request.
Sous Chef in Oxford employer: Gees Restaurant & Bar
Gees is an exceptional employer that prides itself on fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment within its stunning Grade II listed Victorian Conservatory. As part of 'The Oxford Collection', we offer our team members not only competitive salaries and benefits, including meals on duty and generous discounts, but also ample opportunities for professional growth and development in the vibrant culinary scene of Oxford. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering contemporary British cuisine while enjoying a balanced work-life with a sensible shift pattern.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Oxford
✨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 Gees Restaurant & Bar. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Gees Restaurant & Bar
Don't be shy about reaching out to Gees Restaurant & Bar 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 Oxford
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 Gees Restaurant & Bar 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 Gees Restaurant & Bar
✨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!
