At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and deliver authentic BBQ in a fast-paced environment.
- 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 with clear progression to Head Chef and beyond.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen and a passion for BBQ.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture that values work-life balance and wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Overview
Senior Sous Chef – Hickory’s Smokehouse
Salary up to £35,000 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 Senior Sous Chef to join our high-energy kitchen team. You’ll support the Head Chef, run the kitchen in their absence and play a key role in delivering our fresh, authentic BBQ menu in one of the busiest restaurants in town — all while developing your career to Head Chef and beyond!
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading and developing a passionate kitchen team
- Running shifts and maintaining top food and safety standards
- Delivering consistent, brand-led BBQ in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrating a full understanding and control of all kitchen financials
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.
Senior Sous Chef in Wilmslow 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 Wilmslow
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, check out Hickory’s on social media or their website. Familiarise yourself with their menu and vibe so you can chat about how you’d fit in and contribute to their awesome kitchen culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish or two that showcases your BBQ expertise. This is a great way to demonstrate your passion for food and your understanding of their authentic BBQ style.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions during your interview! Show your interest in the role by asking about the kitchen dynamics, training opportunities, and how they maintain their high standards. It’ll help you stand out as someone who’s genuinely keen to join the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Hickory’s and ready to dive into their exciting kitchen environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef in Wilmslow
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 embraced the BBQ culture. We want to see that you’re as excited about our menu as we are!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Talk about times you've successfully managed a kitchen or mentored other chefs. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and develop our passionate kitchen team!
Be Authentic and Personal: Don’t just stick to the formalities; let your personality come through in your application. Share your culinary journey, what drives you, and why you want to join Hickory’s Smokehouse. We value authenticity and want to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and we’ll get your application straight into our hands. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Hickory’s!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hickory's Smokehouse
✨Know Your BBQ Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of traditional American BBQ techniques and flavours. Be ready to discuss your experience with different meats, marinades, and cooking methods. This will show that you're not just a chef, but a passionate one who understands the essence of Hickory’s menu.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff in the past. Talk about how you motivate your team, handle conflicts, and ensure everyone is working towards the same goal – delivering top-notch BBQ!
✨Understand Kitchen Financials
Familiarise yourself with kitchen financial management. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve previously controlled costs, minimised waste, and maximised profits. This knowledge will demonstrate your ability to contribute to the business side of the kitchen, which is crucial for this role.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Progression
Hickory’s values career development, so express your ambition to grow within the company. Share your goals and how you see yourself evolving into a Head Chef or beyond. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but a long-term career with them.