At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our kitchen team to create fresh, seasonal dishes and train fellow chefs.
- Company: Heartwood Collection, an award-winning group of cosy pubs and brasseries.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, discounts, training programmes, and instant pay access.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities as we expand to over 60 locations by 2027.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant community and grow your culinary skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 4-5 years experience in a service setting with advanced knife skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Heartwood Collection, we’re on the lookout for passionate and vibrant individuals to join our kitchen team as a Junior Sous Chef. We’re an award-winning group of cosy pubs and atmospheric brasseries that truly feel like home. From the elegance of Brasserie Blanc to the charm of Heartwood Inns, we pride ourselves on serving fresh, seasonal dishes to our local communities.
What we offer:
- Package and hourly rate includes basic + TRONC*
- Contract average of 48 hours
- Bespoke training and development through our Stepping Stones programme
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program with Hospitality Action
- Instant pay access through EarlyPay
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave
- Up to £1,500 Referral Bonus
- 50% off food at any Heartwood Inns or Brasserie Blanc, plus a 20% discount for family and friends
- A birthday gift and Long Service Recognition
- Discounts on hundreds of retailers and experiences via Reward Gateway
- Cycle to Work Scheme
About You:
- Have a passion and proven track record in delivering service, great quality, fresh food and training to chefs
- Able to work multiple sections as part of the kitchen team, follow recipes and demonstrate this to other chefs
- 4-5 years experience or progression in a service setting with advanced knife skills and working with classical cooking techniques
Heartwood Collection is a multi-award-winning hospitality group, Sunday Times Best Places to Work winner 2024, Double winner at the Publican Awards 2024 Best Pub Brand/Concept at the Publican Awards 2025. At Heartwood Collection, we’re excited about the future. With over 40 locations now and plans to expand to more than 60 by 2027, including over 500 bedrooms, there’s never been a better time to join us. We’re committed to growing our team with progression opportunities across our estate. Join us and be part of a community that’s warm, genuine, and full of life.
Junior Sous Chef in Reading employer: Hareoldredding
Heartwood Collection is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where passion for food and community thrives. With bespoke training through our Stepping Stones programme and numerous employee benefits, including generous discounts and referral bonuses, we prioritise your growth and well-being. Join us in a dynamic environment that values your contributions and offers exciting opportunities for advancement as we expand our award-winning hospitality group.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Heartwood Collection vibe! Visit their pubs or brasseries, soak in the atmosphere, and chat with the staff. This will not only give you a feel for the place but also help you tailor your approach when you apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you can, bring a dish you've created to the interview or share a portfolio of your best work. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion and expertise in fresh, seasonal cooking.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on social media platforms. They can provide insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work at Heartwood Collection.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our vibrant kitchen team.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and hospitality shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for fresh, seasonal dishes and how you can contribute to our vibrant kitchen team.
Highlight Your Experience:Make sure to detail your relevant experience in the culinary world. Mention any specific roles or responsibilities that showcase your advanced knife skills and classical cooking techniques. We love seeing how you've progressed in your career!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We’re looking for individuals who fit into our warm and genuine community. A little bit of your unique flair can make your application stand out from the rest.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of joining our team, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hareoldredding
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the seasonal ingredients and dishes that Heartwood Collection prides itself on. Being able to discuss your favourite fresh produce or how you would incorporate local flavours into a dish will show your passion for quality food.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your knife skills and classical cooking techniques during the interview. You might be asked to showcase your ability to work across multiple sections, so practice your speed and precision beforehand.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Heartwood Collection values a collaborative kitchen environment. Be ready to share examples of how you've trained other chefs or worked as part of a team to deliver exceptional service. Highlighting your experience in mentoring can set you apart.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the Stepping Stones programme or the company’s plans for expansion. This shows your genuine interest in growth and development within the Heartwood Collection, making you a more attractive candidate.
