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- Tasks: Manage the kitchen, prepare fresh ingredients, and design seasonal menus.
- Company: Join Houston & Hawkes, an award-winning independent caterer focused on creativity and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, a contributory pension, training opportunities, and 20 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Make a name for yourself in a dynamic team that values excellence and professional growth.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, NVQ chef qualifications, and strong organisational skills required.
- Other info: Experience regular masterclasses with renowned chef Sally Abe and enjoy family-friendly support.
Make sure to read the full description below, and please apply immediately if you are confident you meet all the requirements.
Location: Reading
Salary: £38,000-£40,000 per year plus overtime
Houston & Hawkes are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and experienced Sous Chef who produces outstanding food using the finest and freshest ingredients at our contract in Reading. This is a great opportunity for a Sous Chef to make a name for themselves within the contract catering industry. We’ll give you a place to grow and a career to be proud of.
Sous Chef Duties:
- To manage the kitchen in the absence of the head chef
- Setting up the kitchen and ensuring all ingredients are fresh and in date
- Preparing ingredients, designing seasonal menu items, controlling and directing the food preparation process
- Ensure the presentation of the food is consistent with the standards set by head chef
- Focusing on all customers including guests, staff and visitors & meeting dietary and allergen requirements whilst ensuring quality of food and service
- Demonstrate Personal Development.
Sous Chef Requirements:
- A genuine passion for food
- Industry acumen and knowledge of external catering developments & innovations
- Ability to work efficiently and competently under pressure
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
- High level of self-motivation and not constrained by conventional time keeping
- 706/2 or NVQ chef qualifications, or equivalent
- Honesty, transparency and consistency, someone who can gain and hold the respect of others
- Personal innovation and passion
- Demonstrative customer focus and service skills
- Computer literate
Sous Chef Additional Benefits:
- Free meals at work
- Contributory pension scheme
- Free access to the company Employee Assistant Programme
- Life assurance at two times salary
- Company events including all company Christmas party
- Uniform provided
- 20 days holiday plus statutory bank holidays
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Family-friendly support, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave and adoption leave
- Day off on your birthday
- Referral bonuses
- Training and development opportunities, including regular masterclasses with renowned chef Sally Abe
Who We Are:
Houston & Hawkes is a young and dynamic independent caterer based in the South East. We are proud to be an award-winning company, ranked among the top 30 companies to work for in the hospitality industry, and a certified B Corp company. We believe in creating memorable experiences for our customers through our vibrant, creative, and sustainable food offerings. We operate coffee bars, staff restaurants, and delis, tailored to our clients’ hospitality and event needs. Committed to social responsibility, passionate about Great British produce and dedicated to our talented teams. Join Houston & Hawkes and be part of a team that values excellence, creativity, and professional growth.
Sous Chef employer: Houston & Hawkes
Contact Detail:
Houston & Hawkes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the culinary world, especially those relevant to contract catering. This will not only help you during interviews but also show your genuine passion for food and innovation.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with other chefs and professionals in the industry. Attend local culinary events or workshops to meet people who can provide insights into the role and potentially refer you to opportunities at Houston & Hawkes.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience managing a kitchen and how you've handled pressure in past roles. Be ready with specific examples that highlight your organisational skills and ability to maintain high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Houston & Hawkes thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and the type of cuisine they focus on. Tailoring your conversation to align with their ethos will demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the kitchen, particularly any roles where you managed a team or created menus. Emphasise your qualifications, such as NVQ chef qualifications, and any specific achievements in previous positions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and your understanding of the catering industry. Mention specific examples of how you've met dietary requirements or innovated in menu design to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, highlight your time management and organisational skills. Provide examples of how you've worked efficiently under pressure, especially in busy kitchen environments, to reassure them of your capabilities.
Express Your Personal Development Goals: Mention your commitment to personal development and continuous learning in your application. Discuss any training or masterclasses you've attended, and express your enthusiasm for the opportunities offered by Houston & Hawkes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Houston & Hawkes
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your genuine love for cooking and food during the interview. Share personal stories about your culinary journey and what inspires you in the kitchen. This will resonate well with the interviewers at Houston & Hawkes, who value a passion for food.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be managing the kitchen in the absence of the head chef. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences leading a team, handling pressure, and ensuring high standards in food preparation and presentation. Highlight any specific examples where you successfully managed a kitchen environment.
✨Know the Company and Its Values
Research Houston & Hawkes and understand their commitment to sustainability and quality. Familiarise yourself with their approach to catering and how they create memorable experiences for customers. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their values during the interview.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your culinary skills and knowledge of food safety, dietary requirements, and menu design. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific kitchen scenarios or challenges. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
