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- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create authentic BBQ dishes.
- Company: Join Hickory's Smokehouse, crowned 'Best Pub Employer' for 2025!
- Benefits: Earn up to £40,000 plus tips, with amazing perks and discounts.
- Why this job: Grow your culinary career in a supportive environment with real progression.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen and a passion for BBQ cuisine.
- Other info: Enjoy work-life balance, wellness support, and exciting team events.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Start an exciting new chapter in your hospitality career at Hickory's Smokehouse. We are thrilled to have been recently crowned the ‘Best Pub Employer’ for 2025 at The Publican Awards! Join us as a Senior Sous Chef and we can offer you a generous package of up to £40,000 per year including Tip Jar!
We’re looking for a Senior Sous Chef to join our passionate brigade of BBQ enthusiasts. You will be responsible for running our bespoke kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence, and in doing so you will be working towards becoming a Head Chef yourself. You will be working with and leading the team to deliver authentic fresh food‑based BBQ menu in one of the busiest restaurants in town.
As the fastest growing Southern style Smokehouse group in the UK with an award‑winning Hickory’s Training Academy, we can offer you real progression opportunities as we expand. We have a company culture that really cares & embraces work‑life balance.
Thank You’s & Benefits:- A generous Senior Sous Chef package of up to £40,000 per year including Tip Jar!
- The chance to work in one of our £250k bespoke built kitchens, with authentic smokers imported all the way from the USA.
- Excellent training & progression opportunities – through our award‑winning Hickory’s Training Academy.
- Birthday reward meal on us for you & your friends - every year.
- Free smokin’ BBQ on shift – team food & drinks menu.
- Christmas Day off work - every year.
- Moments that matter – Paid occasion days off (Wedding day, kid’s first day at school, moving into first home & more).
- Team Player card – 25% discount for you & 5 friends in all Hickory’s (rising to 50% for loyal service).
- Road trips to the Southern States, Europe & UK and stacks of enrichment opportunities.
- Wellbeing support & 24-hour access to our wellness programme, plus a Wellbeing Champion in each restaurant to support you.
- Our pledge to a work-life balance – monitoring & managing through our Red Zone.
- A chance to ‘give a bit back’ with fundraising activities for Cash For Kids.
- Up to £1000 for you – through the refer a friend scheme.
If that sounds good or does it leave you wanting to find out more? Click ‘apply’ now and you could be our next Senior Sous Chef.
Senior Sous Chef in Leicester employer: Hickory's Smokehouse
Contact Detail:
Hickory's Smokehouse Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Hickory's Smokehouse on social media and their website. Understanding their vibe will help you connect with the team and show you're genuinely interested in being part of their BBQ-loving family.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll need to impress with your culinary expertise. Try recreating some of their signature dishes at home and be ready to discuss your techniques and experiences during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work at Hickory's. They might even give you a heads-up on what the Head Chef is looking for!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Don’t forget to highlight your leadership skills and passion for BBQ in your interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for BBQ: When you're writing your application, let your love for BBQ shine through! Share any experiences or stories that highlight your enthusiasm for cooking and working with fresh ingredients. We want to see that you’re as excited about BBQ as we are!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Sous Chef role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in running kitchens or leading teams. We’re looking for someone who can step up in the Head Chef’s absence, so showcase your leadership skills!
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your culinary skills. A bit of humour or a personal touch can make your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re keen on joining our team at Hickory's Smokehouse!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hickory's Smokehouse
✨Know Your BBQ Basics
As a Senior Sous Chef, it's crucial to showcase your knowledge of BBQ techniques and flavours. Brush up on the different types of meats, marinades, and smoking methods. Be ready to discuss your favourite BBQ dishes and how you would elevate them in the kitchen.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Since you'll be running the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence, highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team, resolved conflicts, or trained new staff. This will demonstrate that you're ready for the responsibility.
✨Emphasise Passion for Hospitality
Hickory's Smokehouse values a genuine passion for food and hospitality. Share your journey in the culinary world and what drives your love for cooking. Mention any experiences that reflect your commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, training opportunities, and the specific challenges the kitchen faces. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if Hickory's is the right fit for you.
