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- Tasks: Lead a passionate BBQ team and run the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence.
- Company: Join Hickory's Smokehouse, crowned ‘Best Pub Employer’ for 2025!
- Benefits: Earn up to £42,000 plus tips, with amazing perks like free BBQ on shift.
- Why this job: Grow your culinary career in a dynamic environment with real progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen and a passion for BBQ cuisine.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture that values work-life balance and wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 48000 £ 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 £42,000 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. And, 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 £42,000 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 Milton Keynes 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 Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs and industry contacts on social media or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This can really set you apart from other candidates when you’re chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants you admire, like Hickory’s Smokehouse, and express your interest. A personal touch can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and reflects your culinary journey. Also, consider applying through our website for a smoother process and to show your enthusiasm for joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for BBQ: When writing your application, let your love for BBQ shine through! Share any relevant experiences or dishes you’ve created that highlight your skills and enthusiasm for authentic BBQ cuisine.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Sous Chef role. Highlight your leadership experience and any times you've stepped up in a kitchen environment. We want to see how you can run the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence!
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits into our passionate brigade, so let us know what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our team culture.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on the path to joining our award-winning team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hickory's Smokehouse
✨Know Your BBQ Basics
Brush up on your BBQ knowledge and techniques. Be ready to discuss your favourite styles, cooking methods, and any unique recipes you’ve mastered. This shows your passion for the cuisine and helps you connect with the team.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll need to lead the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team, resolved conflicts, or improved kitchen efficiency. This will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Emphasise Your Training and Progression
Highlight any relevant training or certifications you've completed, especially those related to BBQ or kitchen management. Discuss your career goals and how you see yourself progressing within the company, aligning with their commitment to development.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the kitchen culture, menu development, and training opportunities at Hickory’s. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
