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, career progression, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and enjoy a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Develop your culinary skills and advance your career in a stunning environment.
- 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 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨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 HandPickedHotels. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to HandPickedHotels
Don't be shy about reaching out to HandPickedHotels 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!
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 HandPickedHotels 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 HandPickedHotels
✨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!
