Junior Sous Chef in Windermere

Junior Sous Chef in Windermere

Windermere Full-Time 28000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as a Junior Sous Chef, managing kitchen operations and ensuring top-notch food quality.
  • Company: Be part of the prestigious Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, renowned for luxury and exceptional dining experiences.
  • Benefits: Enjoy perks like free meals, company events, and potential relocation assistance.
  • Other info: Work 50 hours a week with a competitive salary and potential gratuities.
  • Why this job: This role offers creativity, teamwork, and the chance to develop your culinary skills in a vibrant environment.
  • Qualifications: Culinary qualification and significant kitchen experience required; leadership skills are a must.

The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.

Company Description

At Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, we proudly offer two distinct luxury establishments situated on separate estates, yet operated seamlessly as one cohesive team. Whether you opt for the laid-back ambiance of Gilpin Hotel or the distinct combination of hotel and country house at Gilpin Lake House, your experience with us is designed to be effortlessly harmonious.

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House are part of the prestigious Pride of Britain Hotels and we are proud to be one of the 580 members of Relais & Châteaux, an association of worldwide independent hotel and restaurant owners.

Job Description

At SOURCE at the Gilpin, we craft exceptional dining experiences rooted in sustainability, creativity, and the beauty of the Lake District. Our Michelin‑starred, 4 AA Rosette kitchen is a place of passion and purpose, built on exquisite produce, bold flavours, and precise execution. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Junior Sous Chef to join our kitchen brigade and support the senior team in delivering world‑class cuisine.

The Junior Sous Chef plays a pivotal role in leading sections, supporting menu development, and ensuring the smooth, consistent operation of a Michelin‑level kitchen. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical ability, natural leadership, and an unwavering commitment to quality, organisation, and food safety.

🌱 What You’ll Be Doing as Junior Sous:

  • Leads sections, and oversees and operates designated sections to an exceptional standard, ensuring readiness, organisation, and consistency.

  • Executes Michelin‑Level Dishes - prepares, cooks, and presents dishes with precision, creativity, and SOURCE’s signature attention to detail.

  • Supports Senior Chefs and assists the Sous and Head Chef with menu development, service coordination, and daily kitchen operations.

  • Trains, mentors, guides and develops junior chefs, providing clear instruction, demonstrations, and constructive feedback.

  • Maintains standards and upholds the highest levels of hygiene, organisation, and food safety, ensuring compliance with all due‑diligence requirements.

  • Drives team culture and contributes to a positive, professional, and collaborative working environment across the brigade.

  • Collaborates across teams, always working closely with the restaurant team to ensure seamless service and exceptional guest experience.

Qualifications

🎓 What You Bring:

  • Fine Dining Experience, ideally with a background in Michelin‑starred or high‑level environments.

  • Section Leadership - confident in running a section with organisation, calmness, and precision.

  • Technical excellence and strong culinary skills and the ability to execute dishes to Michelin‑level standards.

  • Team Development — supports and uplifts junior chefs through guidance, structure, and positive leadership.

  • Impeccable Standards, always driving exceptional cleanliness, safety, and compliance at all times.

  • Curiosity and creativity, with a genuine love of food, innovation, and continuous improvement.

  • Growth mindset with a desire to develop within a forward‑thinking, modern restaurant built around local produce with a twist.

Additional Information

🌟 What We Offer:

  • The chance to work alongside a team of passionate professionals.

  • A supportive, dynamic and creative environment.

  • Opportunities for growth and development within the Gilpin family.

  • Career development within a Michelin-starred environment

  • Meals on shift, uniform, and generous gratuities.

  • A stunning Lake District setting that inspires every day.

  • The pride of contributing to a property recognised with 5 AA Red Stars, and two Michelin Keys.

  • The prestige of working within Relais & Châteaux and Pride of Britain Hotels.

  • You will become part of the Relais & Châteaux community, a global association of 580 exceptional hotels and restaurants united by a passion for the profession, the authenticity of human relations and the promotion of local traditions.

If you’re driven to grow within a team that delivers Michelin‑level dining and pushes culinary boundaries, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Salary: £36,750

Gratuities are allocated on a points basis, depending on development tiers. Although variable, average levels are projected as being £526 per month.

Hours: 50 hours per week.

  • Canteen
  • Company events
  • Company pension
  • Discounted or free food
  • Employee discount
  • Free or subsidised travel
  • Gym membership
  • On-site parking

Relocation assistance may be available

Staff transport provided free between staff houses and hotel

Junior Sous Chef in Windermere employer: Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

At Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values every team member's contribution. As a Junior Sous Chef, you will benefit from competitive salary packages, generous gratuities, and opportunities for professional growth within our prestigious establishments. With access to unique culinary experiences, staff events, and a supportive environment, you'll thrive in your role while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Lake District.

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

Contact Details:

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef in Windermere

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the unique dining experiences offered at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House. Understanding their culinary style and menu can help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge during any discussions or interviews.

Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of Gilpin Hotel & Lake House. They can provide valuable insights into the kitchen culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying for the Junior Sous Chef position.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experience where you mentored or trained kitchen staff. Highlighting your ability to motivate a team will resonate well with the hiring managers looking for a Junior Sous Chef.

Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your creative ideas for menu development. Being able to present innovative dish concepts during your interview can set you apart from other candidates and show your passion for culinary arts.

We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef in Windermere

Culinary Qualification
Leadership Skills
Strong Culinary Skills
Menu Development
Food Safety Knowledge
Organisational Skills
Time Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant culinary experience, especially in leadership roles. Emphasise your skills in various cooking techniques and any previous work in high-pressure environments.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for cooking and your enthusiasm for the role at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage kitchen operations and mentor staff.

Showcase Your Creativity:Include examples of menu planning or dish development you've contributed to in past roles. This will show your creative mindset and ability to innovate, which is crucial for the Junior Sous Chef position.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills:Discuss your experience in training and motivating kitchen staff. Provide examples of how you've successfully led a team and ensured high standards of food quality and safety in previous positions.

How to prepare for a job interview at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

Showcase Your Culinary Skills

Be prepared to discuss your culinary background and demonstrate your skills. Bring examples of dishes you've created or worked on, and be ready to explain your cooking techniques and the thought process behind your menu choices.

Emphasise Teamwork and Leadership

As a Junior Sous Chef, you'll need to lead and motivate a team. Share experiences where you've successfully managed kitchen staff or collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. Highlight your ability to foster a positive working environment.

Demonstrate Attention to Detail

Discuss how you ensure high standards in food preparation and presentation. Be specific about your methods for maintaining quality and consistency, and mention any relevant experiences that showcase your meticulous nature.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions about how you'd handle specific kitchen situations, such as managing food costs or dealing with a busy service. Think through potential scenarios in advance and prepare your responses to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.