Sous Chef

Sous Chef

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
HandPickedHotels

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create fantastic food and lead a talented kitchen team in a luxury hotel.
  • Company: Hand Picked Hotels, known for unique luxury country houses and coastal retreats.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, training opportunities, and staff discounts.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team and enjoy a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Develop your culinary skills and progress towards Head Chef in a stunning location.
  • Qualifications: Experience in quality-driven kitchens and a passion for food trends.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Hand Picked Hotels is a beautiful collection of 21 privately owned, luxury country houses and coastal retreats, each hand picked for their individuality. Architecturally distinctive and quintessentially British, every hotel boasts an extraordinary location, from Scotland to the Channel Islands, offering breathtaking views, from vast countryside to expansive beaches, to lush woodlands. With every need taken care of, the team at each hotel ensures every guest has a magical experience, encouraging them to return time and time again.

We are currently recruiting for a Sous Chef at Rhinefield House Hotel & Spa, part of Hand Picked Hotels. Known locally as the 'Jewel in the Forest', Rhinefield House is an award-winning luxury hotel steeped in natural beauty, hidden deep within the New Forest National Park. Rhinefield House is proud to be the only AA four red star hotel in the New Forest. The hotel has 50 bedrooms, including three feature suites, an outdoor pool, a small health suite and a 2 AA Rosette fine dining restaurant & bar. It is a popular wedding and Afternoon Tea venue with beautiful gardens and grounds.

About the Role

Are you an experienced Chef looking to progress your Kitchen Management experience? We know the step from being a Sous Chef to Head Chef can be a big one so here at Hand Picked Hotels we aim to equip our Sous Chefs with the skills they need to take that step. From involvement in office and paperwork responsibilities, to people management training courses and development with your culinary skills, we will help give you the exposure you need to develop your career as a Chef. And of course alongside all of that you get to do what you do best, create fantastic food and lead the team in our professional kitchens.

About You

To be considered for this role you will have excellent knowledge and experience of the kitchen within a quality driven hotel, restaurant, or hospitality environment. You will be enthusiastic and willing to take on new responsibilities. Adopt a flexible approach to assist in different areas of the kitchen as business and guest needs dictate. You will have the ability to impart your knowledge to the junior members of the team. Your finger will be on the pulse of all the latest trends, and have the desire to learn the next big thing. Having a high level of emotional intelligence, you will be able to anticipate our guests' needs ensuring they receive a Hand Picked experience. It is essential you can demonstrate how you would be able to deliver our guest experience standards at Hand Picked Hotels, which includes the ability to go above and beyond to ensure guests have a high-quality, personalised, and magical experience that they remember, recommend, and return to time and time again.

Company Benefits

  • A highly competitive salary package plus a share of service charge.
  • This is a Full-Time role working 5 days out of 7 including weekends on a rota basis, 40 hours per week, which may vary depending on business needs.
  • Company pension scheme with a generous employer contribution.
  • Life assurance scheme.
  • Employee Assistance Program to support you with whatever life throws at you.
  • Company Sickness Scheme Benefit.
  • 28 days holiday per year including bank holidays, increasing to 33 days including bank holidays with length of service.
  • Forward career progression, with access to our In House and external training programs, including apprenticeships up to level 7, which are all supported by our learning and development team.
  • £30 staff stays with Hand Picked Hotels per room Bed & Breakfast & 25% discount on all food & drink.
  • Annual loyalty awards (like afternoon teas and overnight stays).
  • Online retail discount platform offering thousands of savings with high street retailers and restaurants as well as a health and well-being platform.
  • Opportunity to make lifelong friendships and be part of a team that celebrates Diversity and Inclusion.

Hand Picked Hotels is an Equal Opportunities employer. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

Sous Chef employer: HandPickedHotels

Hand Picked Hotels is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a stunning location at Rhinefield House Hotel & Spa, nestled in the picturesque New Forest National Park. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide comprehensive training and career progression opportunities, alongside a competitive salary and generous benefits package, including discounts on stays and dining. Our inclusive work culture fosters teamwork and celebrates individuality, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to create memorable experiences for our guests.

HandPickedHotels

Contact Details:

HandPickedHotels Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Sous Chef

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, attend culinary events, and connect with people in the industry. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This can really help you stand out when you're chatting with potential employers.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job listings to pop up. Reach out directly to Hand Picked Hotels or other places you’re interested in. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way!

Tip Number 4

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating that magical guest experience they pride themselves on. Show them you’re not just another chef, but the perfect fit for their team!

We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef

Culinary Skills
Kitchen Management
People Management
Knowledge of Food Trends
Emotional Intelligence
Flexibility
Team Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you to create fantastic dishes. We want to see your personality and passion for food in every word.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Sous Chef role at Hand Picked Hotels. Highlight your relevant experience in quality-driven environments and how you can contribute to our unique guest experiences. We appreciate a personal touch!

Demonstrate Team Spirit:We’re all about teamwork here at Hand Picked Hotels, so don’t forget to mention your ability to lead and mentor junior chefs. Share examples of how you've worked collaboratively in the kitchen to create memorable dining experiences.

Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the plunge? We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to get your application and for you to learn more about our amazing team and culture at Hand Picked Hotels!

How to prepare for a job interview at HandPickedHotels

Know Your Culinary Basics

Brush up on your culinary techniques and kitchen management skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with different cuisines, cooking methods, and how you handle kitchen operations. This shows that you're not just a chef but a well-rounded kitchen leader.

Showcase Your Passion for Guest Experience

Hand Picked Hotels values a magical guest experience, so be prepared to share examples of how you've gone above and beyond for guests in the past. Highlight any creative dishes or special events you've organised that enhanced the dining experience.

Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills

As a Sous Chef, you'll need to lead and inspire your team. Share specific instances where you've mentored junior chefs or improved team dynamics. This will show that you can contribute to a positive kitchen environment and help develop others.

Stay Updated on Trends

Be aware of the latest food trends and dietary preferences. Discuss how you incorporate these into your menu planning and how you adapt to changing guest needs. This demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and innovation in the kitchen.