At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations and create exceptional dining experiences for guests.
- Company: Join a premier spa and hotel destination with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free meals, spa access, and discounts on stays.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate culinary team in a stunning historic estate.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong CDP ready for the next step.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Hoar Cross Hall is one of the UK’s premier Spa and Hotel destinations, home to award-winning experiences, exceptional dining, and a proud heritage of warm hospitality. We are looking for an experienced and passionate Sous Chef to join our talented culinary team and help us deliver outstanding dining experiences for our guests. If you are driven, creative, and thrive in a high-quality kitchen environment, this is an exciting opportunity to develop your career within Barons Eden.
About the Role
As Sous Chef at Hoar Cross Hall, you will take a leading role in supporting the daily operations of the kitchen. Working closely with the Head Chef, you will help manage the team, maintain exceptional food standards, and ensure the smooth, efficient running of all kitchen activities. In the Head Chef’s absence, you will confidently step up to take full responsibility for the kitchen.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Kitchen Management
- Supporting and deputising for the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations.
- Providing leadership, motivating the kitchen team, and maintaining a positive and professional working environment.
- Supervising, training, and developing kitchen staff, ensuring high standards of performance.
- Assisting with rota planning, ensuring the kitchen is appropriately staffed to meet business demands.
- Food Quality & Menu Development
- Ensuring all dishes served across the restaurant and buffet areas meet Hoar Cross Hall’s high standards.
- Maintaining excellent presentation, consistency, and quality in every dish.
- Contributing ideas for monthly menus and supporting the design and development of dishes using the freshest ingredients.
- Working alongside the Head Chef to minimise waste and ensure cost-effective food production.
- Stock Control & Supplier Coordination
- Maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring quality and value for money.
- Overseeing ordering and stock levels, especially in the Head Chef’s absence.
- Ensuring goods received meet required standards and returning any substandard produce.
- Assisting with monthly stock-takes and weekly time sheets.
- Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensuring full compliance with Food Hygiene, Health & Safety, and COSHH requirements.
- Promoting high standards of cleanliness through structured cleaning schedules.
- Ensuring all kitchen staff follow uniform, hygiene, and PPE guidelines.
- Completing daily food and fridge temperature checks.
- Following Fire and Evacuation procedures and taking appropriate action when required.
- Communication & Guest Service
- Maintaining strong communication with the Head Chef, Restaurant Manager, and wider senior team through daily briefs and weekly meetings.
- Handling guest feedback and complaints professionally in the Head Chef’s absence.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience as a Sous Chef or strong CDP ready for the next step.
- Passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative menu development.
- Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a team.
- Excellent organisation, time management, and attention to detail.
- Proactive, positive attitude with the ability to perform under pressure.
- Solid understanding of food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards.
Shift Patterns
Full-Time - 45 hours per week, 5 days out of 7 per week – this includes weekends, holidays, and evenings. Typical shift patterns: 08:00 – 17:30hrs and 13:30 – 23:00hrs. Note: Full flexibility is key as you will be expected to work as and when necessary to meet the needs of the team and the business.
Why Join Us
- Work in a stunning, historic estate with a commitment to excellence in hospitality.
- Competitive Rate of Pay.
- Complimentary use of the leisure and spa facilities.
- Free meal per shift from our staff canteen.
- Complimentary Spa Day at Eden Hall on work anniversaries.
- Employee Benefits Program.
- Free Parking.
- Refer a friend scheme.
- Discount on overnight stays and spa days.
- 30% discount on food and drink.
- Excellent Induction and training programme.
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
People say you can’t choose your family, well we choose you to be part of ours!
Sous Chef in Burton upon Trent employer: Hoar Cross Hall - kitchen
Contact Detail:
Hoar Cross Hall - kitchen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Burton upon Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, whether it's through social media or local events. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Sous Chef position.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider doing a trial shift at Hoar Cross Hall or similar venues. It’s a great way to demonstrate your culinary prowess and fit within the team while getting a feel for the kitchen vibe.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to places you admire. A friendly email or call can put you on their radar and show your enthusiasm for joining their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your portfolio updated! Showcase your best dishes and any menu development you've done. When you apply through our website, having a strong visual representation of your work can really set you apart from the competition.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Burton upon Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for fresh, seasonal ingredients shine through. Share any creative menu ideas you have or experiences that highlight your culinary flair. We want to see your enthusiasm for delivering outstanding dining experiences!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Talk about times you've motivated a team or handled challenges in the kitchen. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide others!
Be Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is key in our kitchen! In your application, mention how you ensure high standards of food quality and safety. Whether it’s maintaining hygiene or managing stock levels, we want to know how you keep everything running smoothly.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to join our talented culinary team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoar Cross Hall - kitchen
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with seasonal ingredients and be ready to discuss how you would incorporate them into the menu. Show your passion for fresh produce and creative dishes during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate others and maintain a positive working environment, as this is crucial for the Sous Chef role.
✨Understand Kitchen Operations
Brush up on your knowledge of kitchen management, including stock control and supplier coordination. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle these responsibilities, especially in the Head Chef's absence.
✨Emphasise Compliance Knowledge
Demonstrate your understanding of food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards. Be ready to talk about how you ensure these standards are met in a busy kitchen environment.