At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create amazing dishes using fresh seasonal produce.
- Company: Grind, a sustainable coffee company with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: 50% off food and drinks, social events, and a wellbeing allowance.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a positive impact in the coffee industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced kitchens and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
A bit about us. Grind is a coffee company that was born in London, and now lives in Manchester! Since opening Shoreditch Grind in 2011, we've expanded across the city with cafés, coffee shops, trucks, and a state-of-the-art coffee roastery. Now, we’ve opened our first location outside of London, in the centre of Manchester. Coffee is at the forefront of what we do and who we are. We are coffee specialists and have always aspired to deliver the best quality, service, and consistency of product at all our Grind locations. Each of our cafés has an incredible team serving speciality coffee, mixing cocktails, and cooking amazing food—all to the beat of a great playlist. Now, we’re looking to build another all-star team for our very first café-restaurant in the heart of Manchester, in St Michael’s Square.
Every team at every location is involved in our mission to use coffee as a force for good. Whether it’s through sourcing avocado peel straws and recycled material containers on site, creating the UK’s first home-compostable coffee pods, or using 100% plastic-free packaging, we want to be the world’s most sustainable coffee company. We set up our own charity, the Better Coffee Foundation®, to undo the damage caused by the global coffee industry by recovering ocean-bound plastic with every coffee pod, iced coffee can, and cup of coffee we sell.
A bit about the role. We are looking for a passionate and talented Sous Chef to help lead our Grind kitchen which is busy, fast paced and full of energy. Our restaurants offer all-day dining and focus on using fresh seasonal produce to develop a dynamic menu. Your role as Sous Chef would involve working alongside your Head Chef and our Senior Sous Chef to lead the kitchen team on a day-to-day basis. You must ensure that quality, consistency and speed of service are upheld at all times, and help to enhance development among a team of aspiring chefs. You must also be able to competently manage all kitchen operation duties in the absence of the Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef. As a Sous Chef, you need to be able to demonstrate a good all round approach to running a fast paced restaurant; ideally we are looking for someone who can keep their cool, have fun and make amazing food, fast and under pressure. If you love working with seasonal produce, have experience with food costing, H&S, and amazing attention to detail we would love to hear from you!
Role responsibilities:
- To provide a safe & clean working environment for all chefs according to Health and Safety legislation and regulations.
- To support the Head Chef and Senior Sous Chef in ensuring that all sections are adequately staffed with chefs trained and qualified to work those sections.
- To help the Head Chef recruit kitchen team members following company employment procedures.
- To liaise and effectively communicate with the Head Chef and Front of House Management team at all times.
- To help control the expediting of food and ensure customers receive the highest quality of food and service possible.
- Ensure food production and standards are carried out in a timely fashion across all services & every section.
- To report all complaints, incidents, accidents and other irregularities to the Head Chef, Operations team and/or Manager on duty.
- Must be adaptable and flexible with working patterns when required.
You’ll have:
- Good communication skills to enable effective dialogue with colleagues and customers.
- Strong time-management and organisational skills.
- A positive attitude and leadership approach to motivate and encourage a team of aspiring chefs.
- Team-work driven and results focused.
- Displays a smart and professional appearance, representing the company in a positive manner.
Diversity and Inclusion. Grind is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, or disability status. If there are any adjustments you need to help you bring your best self to an interview with us please let us know.
Benefits and Perks:
- NEST Pension: We offer a pension scheme to help you plan for your future.
- Financial support: access to interest-free, short-term loans when you need them most.
- Referral Bonus: Earn up to £300 in tiered bonuses for referring great talent to our team.
- Discounts online: Up to 40% off our retail line online.
- SpectrumLife: Access our confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.
- Crew Card: Enjoy 50% off all food and drinks, plus two free coffees a day at Grind locations.
- Friends & Family Discount: Share the love with discounts for your friends and family on our website and at our sites.
- Meals on Duty: Enjoy one staff meal on shifts over 8 hours.
- Social Events: Join us for team social events to connect and have fun.
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity: Enjoy enhanced maternity and paternity benefits once eligible.
- Wellbeing Allowance: Up to £75 annually to spend on your wellbeing.
- Birthday Treat: £20 birthday gift.
Grind run a tronc scheme, which is managed by an independent tronc master. Tronc payments are variable and not guaranteed, this number is likely to fluctuate depending on site performance and individual eligibility.
Sous Chef in Manchester employer: Grind
Grind is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of London that prioritises lifestyle balance without the late-night shifts typical in hospitality. As a Bar Manager, you'll lead a passionate team in a high-energy environment while benefiting from generous perks like a Crew Card for discounts, wellness support, and opportunities for personal growth through training and development programmes. Join us at Grind, where your passion for coffee and cocktails can thrive alongside our commitment to sustainability and community impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Manchester
✨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 Grind. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Grind
Don't be shy about reaching out to Grind 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 Manchester
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 Grind 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 Grind
✨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!
