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- Tasks: Lead and motivate a passionate kitchen team while delivering authentic BBQ.
- Company: Join Hickory’s Smokehouse, crowned Best Pub Employer 2025.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, great tips, free team meals, and 25% discount.
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen and a passion for BBQ.
- Other info: Enjoy award-winning training and clear progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 38000 £ per year.
Salary up to £33,000 per year plus over £5,000 per year tip jar.
Start the next chapter of your career at Hickory’s Smokehouse, proudly crowned Best Pub Employer 2025 at The Publican Awards. As the fastest-growing Southern-style Smokehouse group in the UK, we’re all about traditional American BBQ, strong teams and real progression. We’re looking for a Sous Chef to join our high-energy kitchen team.
You’ll support the Head Chef and Senior Sous, assist in leading the kitchen team and play a key role in delivering our fresh, authentic BBQ menu in one of the busiest restaurants in town — all while building the skills and experience to progress your career with us.
What you’ll be doing:
- Assisting in leading, motivating and developing a passionate kitchen team
- Supporting the day-to-day running of the kitchen and covering shifts when needed
- Maintaining excellent food quality, consistency and safety standards
- Delivering brand-led BBQ in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
- Showing ambition, drive and a desire to progress your career within Hickory’s
Why Hickory’s?
- Competitive salary and great tips
- £250k bespoke-built kitchen with USA-imported smokers
- Award-winning training & clear progression opportunities
- Free team food on shift & a birthday meal on us – huge BBQ menu with endless possibilities
- Christmas Day off
- Paid time off for life’s big moments (weddings, first day at school, moving into your first home & more)
- 25% team discount across Hickory’s (rising to 50% with loyal service)
- 24/7 wellbeing support & a culture that truly values work–life balance
If this sounds like your kind of kitchen, click Apply now and get fired up with Hickory’s Smokehouse.
Sous Chef in Gateshead employer: Hickorys Smokehouse
Contact Detail:
Hickorys Smokehouse Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, try to connect with current employees on social media or through networking events. This will give you insider info about the kitchen culture and help you stand out as someone who’s genuinely interested in joining Hickory’s.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish that showcases your BBQ expertise to the interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for food and your ability to deliver quality in a high-pressure environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions that matter! When you’re in the interview, don’t just wait for them to ask you questions. Show your enthusiasm by asking about the kitchen’s biggest challenges or how they maintain their high standards. It shows you’re ready to jump in and make a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It helps us keep track of all the amazing talent we’re bringing into our kitchens. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Hickory’s family!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for BBQ: When writing your application, let your love for BBQ shine through! Share any experiences you have with Southern-style cooking or how you’ve contributed to a kitchen team in the past. We want to see that you’re as excited about our menu as we are!
Highlight Your Team Spirit: As a Sous Chef, teamwork is key! Make sure to mention any instances where you’ve led or motivated a kitchen team. We’re looking for someone who can support and inspire others, so show us how you’ve done this in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our high-energy kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Hickory’s and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hickorys Smokehouse
✨Know Your BBQ Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of traditional American BBQ techniques and flavours. Being able to discuss your favourite BBQ dishes and how you would prepare them can really impress the interviewers at Hickory’s Smokehouse.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be expected to lead and motivate the kitchen team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team in the past, whether it was during busy service times or while training new staff. This will show that you're ready for the challenge.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Progression
Hickory’s values ambition and career growth. Be ready to share your career goals and how you see yourself progressing within the company. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but a long-term career with them.
✨Prepare for a Fast-Paced Environment
Since Hickory’s is known for its high-volume service, think of examples from your previous roles where you thrived under pressure. Discuss how you maintain food quality and safety standards even when things get hectic in the kitchen.
