At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and create exceptional seasonal dishes.
- Company: Heckfield Place, a stunning hotel on a 400-acre farm near London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, healthcare, generous holiday, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for training, development, and career progression.
- Why this job: Join a creative environment where your cooking can truly shine.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Junior Sous Chef or Sous Chef with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Sous Chef to join our kitchen team and help shape a dining experience that is thoughtful, generous, and deeply connected to place. Heckfield Place is a beautifully restored hotel on a 400-acre farm in the county of Hampshire, just outside of London. We offer a rare opportunity to cook in close conversation with the landscape. Here, the seasons guide our decisions, provenance matters, and every dish tells a story of care, patience, and respect. This role is for a chef who believes that exceptional cooking is rooted in restraint rather than excess; someone who understands that the finest ingredients require care, attention, and a light touch.
Working closely with the Executive and Head Chefs, you will help lead the kitchen, support the development of the team, and contribute to menus that celebrate the harvest as it unfolds throughout the year. If you are a chef who values meaningful cooking, thoughtful hospitality, and the pursuit of excellence through simplicity, we would love to hear from you.
What You’ll Bring- A genuine respect for ingredients and seasonal cooking.
- Previous experience as a Junior Sous Chef or Sous Chef within a quality‑led kitchen.
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire, mentor, and develop others.
- A calm and organised approach, even during busy service.
- Curiosity, creativity, and a desire to continue learning.
- A commitment to the highest standards of hospitality and craftsmanship.
- The ability to work efficiently and carefully to maintain the high quality and consistency required in our kitchen.
- Support the day‑to‑day running of the kitchen.
- Lead services with confidence and attention to detail.
- Work closely with the wider culinary team on menu development and ingredient sourcing.
- Maintain exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation.
- Train and nurture junior chefs, fostering a positive and collaborative culture.
- Uphold the highest standards of food safety and kitchen organisation.
- Tronc (Allocation for 2025 was £7,800+ per annum / per person based on full time hours)
- Increased holiday allowance
- Vitality healthcare cover
- Employee assistance programme
- Life assurance scheme (from day one, covering up to 2x your annual salary)
- 50% F&B discount when dining in our restaurants
- Company sick pay
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Enhanced paternity pay
- Recruit a Friend bonus (£1000)
- Monthly employee recognition scheme
- Annual employee parties
- Free staff meals
- Daily briefings with the team, including food tasting - opportunities to work with the Home Farm
- 50% discount on Wildsmith Skin products
- Heckfield Plus - online discounts
- New baby gift
- Christmas gift
The ideal person will have a passion for working seasonally and be open to learning new styles and techniques. At Heckfield we pride ourselves on providing training, development and a chance to progress within the company. If you would like to work in a collaborative and creative environment, please apply now.
Sous Chef - Heckfield Place employer: Heckfield Place
Heckfield Place is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to work in a stunning, restored hotel set on a 400-acre farm in Hampshire. With a strong focus on seasonal cooking and ingredient provenance, our kitchen fosters a collaborative and creative environment where chefs can thrive. We prioritise employee growth through training and development, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare, enhanced parental leave, and generous discounts, making it a truly rewarding place to build your culinary career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - Heckfield Place
✨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 Heckfield Place. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Heckfield Place
Don't be shy about reaching out to Heckfield Place 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 - Heckfield Place
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 Heckfield Place 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 Heckfield Place
✨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!
