At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring top-notch food quality and presentation for our dining cruises.
- Company: Join City Cruises UK, a leader in unforgettable dining experiences on the Thames.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth in a vibrant environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on mentorship and continuous improvement in a fun, fast-paced setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team creating memorable culinary experiences while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or Chef de Partie with a flair for high-volume catering.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
City Cruises UK is part of the City Experiences division of the Hornblower Group, a global leader in world-class experiences and transportation services. We operate public dining and sightseeing cruises as well as private charters for corporate events, birthday parties, weddings, or other special occasions across London.
The Sous Chef plays a key role in supporting the Head Chef in the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, food safety, and service delivery. Working from our land-based production kitchen, you will help prepare and deliver food for our public dining cruises and private events while leading the kitchen team during service and in the Head Chef's absence.
This is a hands-on leadership role for a passionate chef who enjoys mentoring others, maintaining exceptional standards, and contributing to menu development and continuous improvement.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES- Support the Head Chef in the daily management and operation of the kitchen.
- Supervise and motivate the kitchen team to ensure food is prepared and presented to the highest standards.
- Lead the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
- Assist with menu preparation, seasonal menu changes, recipe development, and food presentations.
- Ensure all food is produced consistently in line with company specifications and quality standards.
- Support stock management, including ordering, stock rotation, wastage control, and weekly stock takes.
- Assist with food costing and portion control to help achieve budget and GP targets.
- Ensure compliance with all Food Safety, HACCP, allergen management, and Health & Safety procedures.
- Train, coach, and support junior chefs and kitchen assistants to develop their skills and confidence.
- Ensure all kitchen equipment is maintained, cleaned, and used safely.
- Maintain accurate kitchen records, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and food safety documentation.
- Work closely with the Events and Operations teams to ensure successful delivery of public dining cruises and private events.
- Promote a positive team culture and demonstrate the company's RESPECT Service values.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of kitchen team members where required.
- Continuously identify opportunities to improve food quality, efficiency, and guest satisfaction.
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef or an experienced Chef de Partie looking to progress into a leadership role.
- Experience within high-volume catering, hospitality, banqueting, or event operations.
- Professional cookery qualification is desirable but not essential.
- Strong knowledge of food preparation, presentation, and kitchen operations.
- Good understanding of food hygiene, HACCP, allergen legislation, and Health & Safety requirements.
- Experience managing or supervising kitchen teams.
- Good organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise during busy service periods.
- Financial awareness, including stock control, food costs, and waste reduction.
- Experience using stock management or procurement systems (such as Procure Wizard or equivalent) is advantageous.
- Passion for producing high-quality food with excellent attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings, weekends, and seasonal events as required.
Sous Chef employer: Hornblower
Hornblower is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises teamwork and exceptional customer service. Located in the heart of Greater London, employees benefit from flexible working hours, opportunities for personal growth, and the chance to engage with diverse guests, making every day rewarding and meaningful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Hornblower. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Hornblower
Don't be shy about reaching out to Hornblower directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Hornblower and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hornblower
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
