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- Tasks: Join our kitchen team as a Junior Sous Chef, creating fresh, seasonal dishes.
- Company: Heartwood Collection is an award-winning group of cosy pubs and brasseries.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible pay, discounts, enhanced leave, and bespoke training opportunities.
- Other info: Join us as we expand to over 60 locations by 2027!
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant community with growth potential in a rapidly expanding company.
- Qualifications: 4-5 years experience in a service setting with advanced knife skills required.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 30000 £ per year.
Junior Sous Chef – The Rising Sun, Reading
Job Reference: 2331891735-2
Date Posted: 2 September 2025
Recruiter: Heartwood Inns
Location: Reading, Berkshire
Salary: On Application
Sector: Hospitality & Tourism
Job Description
Junior Sous Chef – The Rising Sun, Reading
Junior Sous Chef
On Target Earnings 17
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.
Note: On Target Earnings is based on a 48-hour working week, TRONC is calculated from the expected 6 months\\\’ site average.
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Junior Sous Chef - The Rising Sun, Reading employer: Heartwood Inns
Contact Detail:
Heartwood Inns Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef - The Rising Sun, Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Heartwood Collection's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to fresh, seasonal dishes and community engagement will help you align your passion for cooking with their ethos during any conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your culinary skills by preparing a signature dish that reflects your style and expertise. If you get the chance to demonstrate your cooking abilities, this can leave a lasting impression on the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of the Heartwood Collection. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and what they look for in a Junior Sous Chef, which can give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with classical cooking techniques and how you've trained others in the kitchen. Highlighting your ability to work across multiple sections will demonstrate your versatility and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef - The Rising Sun, Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the kitchen, particularly any roles where you've worked with fresh, seasonal dishes. Emphasise your advanced knife skills and any classical cooking techniques you've mastered.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and your commitment to delivering high-quality service. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to train other chefs and work across multiple sections of the kitchen.
Showcase Your Achievements: Include any awards or recognitions you've received in your previous roles. If you've contributed to a team that won accolades or improved service quality, make sure to highlight these achievements.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Heartwood Inns
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and fresh ingredients during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your love for food, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Demonstrate Your Skills
Be prepared to discuss your knife skills and classical cooking techniques. You might even be asked to demonstrate a specific technique or recipe, so practice beforehand to showcase your abilities confidently.
✨Highlight Teamwork Experience
Since the role involves working closely with other chefs, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a kitchen environment. Emphasise your ability to follow recipes and train others, as this aligns with what they are looking for.
✨Research the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with Heartwood Collection's values and their commitment to community and quality service. Mentioning specific aspects of their culture during the interview can demonstrate your genuine interest in being part of their team.