At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and ensure top-notch burger execution.
- Company: Heard. is a premium fast-casual burger concept by Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 50% off food, cycle to work scheme, and birthday off!
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and internal promotions as we expand.
- Why this job: Join a growing brand and make your mark in the culinary world.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie required.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 46000 £ per year.
Heard. is a premium fast-casual smash burger concept from 2 Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey, born from a desire to take an everyday classic and make it quietly exceptional. We combine top-quality, thoughtfully sourced ingredients with the rigour and technique of the world’s best kitchens. No gimmicks, no shortcuts - just maximum flavour done right. After a massive year touring the UK’s biggest events, we opened our permanent home in Borough last year, pairing our signature burgers with considered natural wines, craft beer, and a warm, efficient service style. Now, with our second site in Soho thriving, we are looking forward to our next chapter.
We are actively eyeing up our third and fourth restaurants and are looking to bolster our leadership team with a Sous Chef who thrives in a fast-paced environment and strives for excellence.
The Heard Package:
- Salary: £43,000 - £46,000 per year OTE (depending on experience).
- Benefits: Access to benefits platform from day one including 50% off food and drink in our sites, cycle to work scheme and high street discounts.
- Professional Growth: Formal qualifications paid for, including Mental Health First Aid and H&S Level 3.
- Clear Progression: Genuine opportunities to progress; we are actively expanding and love promoting from within to fill Head Chef roles as we grow.
- Your Birthday off!
What You’ll Do
- Develop the Team: Lead by example in professionalism, attitude, and kitchen culture. You will support the training, onboarding, and development of our junior kitchen team members, keeping morale high and standards tight.
- Excellence in Execution: Support senior kitchen leadership in delivering consistently high standards across all services. You'll ensure the brand standards are executed flawlessly on every single dish.
- Lead the Line & Pass: Take full responsibility for kitchen sections during service and step up to lead the pass when required. You will keep the kitchen energy high, focused, and calm under pressure.
- Master the Prep & Supply: Oversee the daily prep, prep planning, and daily readiness. You will assist with stock rotation, ordering, and deliveries to ensure the kitchen is always set up for success.
- Uphold Total Compliance: Drive immaculate kitchen hygiene. Ensure the BOH is fully compliant across food safety, HACCP, health & safety, and daily cleanliness routines - keeping us ready for a 5-star EHO rating at all times.
- Drive Guest Satisfaction: Deliver absolute consistency. Ensure 90%+ of feedback from guests and mystery diners reflects excellence in product execution, presentation, and taste.
- Protect the Margins: Maintain strict portion control and minimise food waste. You will support the Head Chef in managing food costs (COS) and labour productivity without ever compromising on quality.
- Contribute to the Brand: Bring your ideas to the table. Meet regularly with the Head Chef and General Manager to suggest ways to improve business standards, kitchen efficiency, and operational flow.
What You Bring
- Proven Kitchen Leadership: Solid experience as a Senior Sous Chef, Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie looking for that next big step up in a high-volume, premium fast-casual or high-standard restaurant environment.
- A Team-First Mindset: A passion for coaching junior chefs in real-time, correcting and reinforcing our non-negotiable food standards right on the line.
- Precision & Calm: Strong organisational skills, sharp attention to detail, and the ability to stay focused and clear-headed during peak shifts.
- Genuine Passion: You love great food, consistency, discipline, and the art of effortless, premium fast-casual hospitality.
This is an opportunity to help shape a growing brand, not simply clock into a kitchen. So, if you are a grounded kitchen leader who takes food seriously but leaves the stuffy formality at the door, we would love to hear from you.
Sous Chef employer: Heard Soho
Heard. is an exceptional employer that values its team members and fosters a vibrant work culture centred around excellence and growth. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits from day one, and a commitment to professional development, including paid qualifications, employees are encouraged to thrive in a supportive environment. As we expand our footprint in the culinary scene, we offer genuine opportunities for career progression, making Heard. a rewarding place for passionate individuals looking to make their mark in the fast-casual dining industry.
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 Heard Soho. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Heard Soho
Don't be shy about reaching out to Heard Soho 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
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 Heard Soho 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 Heard Soho
✨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!
