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 cosy pubs and brasseries.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting growth plans with over 40 locations and progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant community and make a real impact in the culinary world.
- Qualifications: 3-4 years as a Sous Chef with strong leadership and fresh food experience.
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 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. Please note, we cannot take applications from overseas.
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
Get to know the Heartwood Collection vibe! Visit their pubs or brasseries, soak in the atmosphere, and chat with the staff. This will give you a feel for the place and 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 your interview or share a portfolio of your best work. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for fresh food cuisine and your experience in running service from the line.
✨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
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Heartwood family.
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 energy to our kitchen team.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in running service from the line and any leadership roles you've had. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their skills in a Sous Chef role, so be specific about your achievements!
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We’re a warm and genuine community at Heartwood Collection, so let us get to know the real you in your application. Share your story and what makes you a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heartwood Collection
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the menu and the types of dishes served at Heartwood Collection. Being able to discuss specific ingredients, cooking techniques, and seasonal offerings will show your passion for fresh food cuisine and your readiness to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your previous experience where you successfully led a kitchen team or trained other chefs. Highlighting your ability to run service from the line and support your colleagues will demonstrate that you're a great fit for the Sous Chef role.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a busy kitchen environment. Think about scenarios where you had to manage stress, resolve conflicts, or adapt to unexpected changes during service, and be ready to share those experiences.
✨Express Your Passion for Community
Heartwood Collection values local communities, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to this ethos. Share your thoughts on seasonal dishes and how you can engage with the community through food, showing that you align with their mission.