At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and ensure high-quality food service.
- Company: Beautiful, independently owned farm-to-table restaurant near Newbury.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent work-life balance, and opportunity to work with exceptional produce.
- Other info: Daytime shifts with occasional evening events; own transport required due to rural location.
- Why this job: Join a growing business focused on seasonal, sustainable dining and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in a high-quality, fresh food environment.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 40000 £ per year.
Host Staffing are proud to be working with a beautiful, independently owned farm-to-table restaurant set in a stunning rural location near Newbury. This is a fantastic opportunity for a talented Sous Chef to join a passionate team focused on seasonal, sustainable produce and high-quality dining.
The Role: We are seeking a confident and capable Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in leading the kitchen. You will play a key role in the day-to-day running of the operation, ensuring consistency, quality, and smooth service.
Key Responsibilities:
- Deputise for the Head Chef in their absence
- Lead and manage a small, dedicated kitchen team of approximately 4 chefs
- Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and hygiene
- Oversee ordering, stock control, and kitchen organisation
- Train, mentor, and develop junior team members
- Ensure clear communication across the team and with front of house
Working Pattern:
- Wednesday to Sunday (initially)
- Daytime-focused operation (breakfast & lunch service)
- Latest finish typically around 6pm
- Occasional events (approx. 2 per month) may require finishes up to 9pm
- Plans to expand to a 7-day operation during summer
What We're Looking For:
- Strong communication and leadership skills
- Experience in a high-quality, fresh food environment
- Ability to run the kitchen confidently in the Head Chef's absence
- Organised, proactive, and hands-on approach
- Passion for seasonal and sustainable produce
- Own transport is essential due to rural location
What's on Offer:
- Salary of £38,000 to £40,000 DOE
- Approx. £4,000 Tronc
- Excellent work-life balance with predominantly daytime hours
- Opportunity to work with exceptional produce in a growing business
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
If you're a driven Sous Chef looking for a role with real quality of life and the chance to make an impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Sous Chef - Day shifts in Wickham employer: Host Staffing
Contact Detail:
Host Staffing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - Day shifts in Wickham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, restaurant owners, or anyone in the industry. Attend local food events or workshops to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨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.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to restaurants you admire, like the one near Newbury. Express your passion for their farm-to-table approach and see if they have any openings.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of great opportunities, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef - Day shifts in Wickham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for seasonal and sustainable produce shine through. We want to see that you’re not just a chef, but someone who truly cares about the quality of ingredients and the dining experience.
Highlight Your Experience: Make sure to detail your previous roles in high-quality, fresh food environments. We’re looking for someone who can confidently run the kitchen, so share specific examples of when you’ve led a team or managed kitchen operations.
Be Organised and Clear: Your written application should reflect your organised and proactive approach. Use clear language and structure your application well, making it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important details about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Host Staffing
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with seasonal and sustainable produce, as this is a key focus for the restaurant. Be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you would incorporate them into dishes, showcasing your passion for high-quality dining.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your experience in training and mentoring junior chefs, as well as how you handle communication within the team and with front of house.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to talk about your approach to kitchen organisation, stock control, and maintaining hygiene standards. Share specific strategies you've used to ensure smooth service and consistency in food quality.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Since the role involves occasional evening events and a potential shift to a 7-day operation, express your willingness to adapt to changing schedules. Discuss how you manage work-life balance while still delivering exceptional results in the kitchen.