At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring top-quality burgers and smooth service.
- Company: Heard. is a premium burger concept by Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 50% off food, cycle to work scheme, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Genuine opportunities for progression as we expand our restaurant locations.
- Why this job: Join a growing brand and sharpen your leadership skills in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie with a passion for food.
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 Junior Sous Chef who wants to sharpen their leadership skills in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
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 Sous Chef and Head Chef roles as we grow.
- Your Birthday off!
What You’ll Do
- Excellence on the Line: Lead by example on the line. You’ll hold down the busiest sections during peak service, ensuring the brand specs and high standards are executed flawlessly on every single burger.
- Step Up to the Pass: Own your sections and step up to support running the pass when required. You will keep kitchen communication sharp and stay calm under pressure.
- Drive Daily Readiness: Be the engine room of the kitchen. Oversee daily prep lists and ensure the kitchen is completely set up before service kicks off. Assist with daily ordering, deliveries, and stock rotation.
- Coach the Team: Support the training and onboarding of our Grill Chefs & Kitchen Porters. You'll be on the ground coaching them on consistency, speed, and quality in real time.
- Drive Guest Satisfaction: Support the senior leaders in delivering absolute consistency. Ensure 90%+ of feedback from guests and mystery diners reflects excellence in product execution, presentation, and taste.
- Protect the Specs & Margins: Keep a sharp eye on portion control and minimise food waste. You will support senior kitchen leadership in keeping food costs (COS) and labour tight on every shift.
- Champion Cleanliness & Compliance: Drive immaculate kitchen hygiene standards. Ensure the kitchen complies with food safety, HACCP, and health & safety regulations, keeping the site 5-star EHO ready.
- Contribute to the Business: Bring energy and ideas to daily briefings. Work closely with the Sous and Head Chef to suggest workflow improvements that make service smoother and faster.
What You Bring
- Proven Kitchen Leadership: Solid experience as a Sous Chef, Junior Sous or Senior Chef de Partie looking for a new challenge in a high-volume, premium fast-casual or high-standard restaurant environment.
- A Team-First Energy: A positive, supportive attitude with a natural ability to motivate the team around you.
- Precision under Pressure: Strong organisational skills, sharp attention to detail, and the ability to stay focused when the ticket machine gets busy.
- Genuine Passion: You take food seriously, care about consistency and discipline, and want to learn the ropes of kitchen management from the best.
This is an opportunity to help shape a growing brand, not simply clock into a kitchen. So, if you are a grounded ambitious chef who takes food seriously but leaves the stuffy formality at the door, we would love to hear from you.
Junior Sous Chef employer: Heard Soho
Heard is an exceptional employer that values its team members and fosters a vibrant work culture in the heart of Borough. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits from day one, and a strong commitment to professional growth through formal qualifications and clear progression paths, employees are empowered to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your contributions are recognised, and you can truly make an impact as we expand our unique burger concept.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior 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 Junior 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!