At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, create fresh dishes, and train aspiring chefs.
- Company: Join the award-winning Heartwood Collection, known for its vibrant pubs and brasseries.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, paid overtime, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting new venue and make a real impact in a dynamic kitchen.
- Qualifications: 3-4 years as a Sous Chef with strong leadership and culinary skills.
- Other info: Join a growing team with over 40 locations and endless progression opportunities.
New Site Opening Jan/Feb 2026 – The Woodman, Southgate, London N13 4BD
Sous Chefs - Join Us for an Exciting New Chapter!
On Target Earnings £15.50-£16 (Including TRONC) Average 48-hour contract. Positions potentially can start sooner in another location, ahead of the opening.
We are thrilled to announce the opening of The Woodman, a stunning new Heartwood Inn in the beautiful town of Southgate, North London. Just a stone’s throw from Southgate Tube and Grovelands Park, this historic site is undergoing a full refurbishment and stylish Heartwood redesign — plus an exciting new extension to elevate the guest experience. With over 70 dining covers, 80+ bar covers, 60 external terrace seats, and 36 dedicated parking spaces, The Woodman promises to be a landmark destination for locals and visitors alike.
At Heartwood Collection, we’re on the lookout for passionate and vibrant individuals to join our kitchen team as a 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:
- Salary package includes TRONC
- Contract average of 48 hours with paid overtime
- 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 proven track record in running service from the line, fresh food cuisine and delivering training and support to chefs
- Able to work on and run any sections in the kitchen team, demonstrate leadership skills and assist the head chef
- 3-4 years experience in a Sous Chef role or similar, preferably with exposure to branded operations and a basic understanding of administration operations
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.
*On Target Earnings is based on a 48‑hour working week, TRONC is calculated from the expected 6 months' site average.
Applications that require a change of sponsorship OR form overseas cannot be considered for this role.
Sous Chef employer: Heartwood Collection
Contact Detail:
Heartwood Collection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who might know about openings at The Woodman. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a dish or two to an informal meet-up or tasting event. This gives you a chance to showcase your culinary flair and personality directly to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay active on social media! Follow Heartwood Collection and engage with their posts. It’s a great way to stay updated on their culture and any upcoming events where you could make a connection.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Heartwood family right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and the culinary arts shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for fresh, seasonal dishes and how you can bring that passion to The Woodman.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in running service from the line and any leadership roles you've had. We’re looking for Sous Chefs who can demonstrate their skills, so be specific about your achievements and responsibilities.
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. We’re a warm and genuine team at Heartwood Collection, and we want to get to know the real you. Share your story and what makes you a great fit for our kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of joining our exciting new chapter, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get you on board for this amazing opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heartwood Collection
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the menu and the types of dishes that The Woodman will be serving. Being able to discuss your experience with fresh, seasonal cuisine and how you can contribute to their offerings will show your passion and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and support the kitchen team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team or trained other chefs in previous roles. This will highlight your leadership capabilities.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a busy kitchen environment. Think about past challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. This will help you illustrate your ability to run service smoothly.
✨Express Your Passion for Hospitality
Heartwood Collection values individuals who are passionate about creating memorable dining experiences. Be prepared to share why you love working in hospitality and how you connect with guests through food. This personal touch can set you apart from other candidates.