At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring high standards of food quality and hygiene.
- Company: Join a family-run garden centre with a popular restaurant and a passion for local produce.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, daytime hours, weekends off, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible holiday options and employee discounts after probation.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative kitchen environment where your culinary skills can shine.
- Qualifications: Experience in a fast-paced restaurant and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Your local, family-run, independent garden centre, restaurant and shop Haddenham Garden Centre is a family owned business which has been established for 45 years. Our popular restaurant “The Gardener’s Retreat” has a state of the art kitchen and focuses on homemade, locally sourced food and drink. We are currently looking to recruit an experienced Sous Chef who drives for standards and results as well as having a passion for serving great food. The role offers sociable daytime hours and one weekend off per month. The working hours will be an average of 42.5 hours per week.
As our Sous Chef, you would:
- Deputise for the Head Chef in their absence ensuring the kitchen is managed efficiently and professionally.
- Ensure daily work areas are allocated to staff in the most hygienic, efficient and cost-effective way to achieve quality results.
- Assist in the ordering, storage and management of all food and kitchen sundries items ensuring compliance with current legislation.
- Assist with menu planning and food preparation, ensuring the consistency of a high standard of food quality and presentation at all times.
- Help maintain budgets and financial control within the area by purchasing food/kitchen items in line with agreed budgets and by ensuring effective wastage control.
- Help plan and implement daily specials, promotions and events in conjunction with the Head Chef and Restaurant Manager.
- Help train and develop staff in achieving consistently high standards of food production and cleanliness in the workplace and to encourage a continual improvement process.
- Accurately co-ordinate and manage all office admin functions associated with kitchen employees in the absence of the Head Chef, including updating of training records, preparation of rotas, completion of timesheets for staff payroll, absence reviews and management of staff holidays.
- Ensure compliance with Health and Safety and food safety regulations.
Do You have?
- Outstanding culinary skills.
- Experience working in a fast‑paced, high‑volume restaurant at a similar level.
- The ability to organise, delegate and get things done in a timely manner.
- Team player attitude – able to work closely with the Head Chef.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Personal drive to help us develop the business.
You will also be a great communicator, calm under pressure and be driven by creating high quality, seasonal fresh food. With us you’ll help train, motivate and inspire the team to help grow our successful food operation.
What can we offer you?
- Competitive Salary plus share of gratuities.
- Sociable daytime hours with one weekend off per month.
- Attractive employee discounts following successful completion of probationary period.
- Contributory Pension scheme.
- Flexible holiday and Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day off.
Sous Chef – Daytime Hours, Weekend Off, Gratuities, Pension employer: Haddenham Garden Centre
Haddenham Garden Centre is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and family-oriented work environment where culinary passion thrives. With sociable daytime hours, one weekend off per month, and a focus on employee growth through training and development, we ensure our team members enjoy a fulfilling career while contributing to our commitment to homemade, locally sourced food. Join us for competitive pay, a share of gratuities, and a contributory pension scheme, all within a vibrant community setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef – Daytime Hours, Weekend Off, Gratuities, Pension
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant vibe! Visit Haddenham Garden Centre, grab a bite, and chat with the staff. This will give you a feel for their culture and help you tailor your approach when you apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! Bring a portfolio of your best dishes or even a few photos of your creations. It’s a great way to visually demonstrate your passion for high-quality food.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on social media. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how you’d handle kitchen challenges or train staff. Show us you’re ready to step up as a Sous Chef and lead the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef – Daytime Hours, Weekend Off, Gratuities, Pension
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let us see your love for cooking and serving great food shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and how you’ve contributed to a team in a fast-paced environment.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sous Chef role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in high-volume restaurants, and don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to maintain high standards.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for our kitchen team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Haddenham Garden Centre
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Brush up on your culinary skills and be ready to discuss your experience in high-volume kitchens. Be prepared to share specific examples of dishes you've created or techniques you've mastered that align with the restaurant's focus on homemade, locally sourced food.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work as part of a team. Share stories about how you've successfully collaborated with chefs and kitchen staff in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. This will show that you can support the Head Chef and inspire your colleagues.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about kitchen management, food safety regulations, and budgeting. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage these aspects effectively. This will demonstrate your readiness to take on the responsibilities of a Sous Chef.
✨Passion for Quality
Convey your passion for creating high-quality, seasonal food. Discuss how you stay updated on food trends and local sourcing. This will resonate well with the restaurant's ethos and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
