Lead Sous Chef - Fresh Kitchen, Growth, Overtime Pay in Thame

Lead Sous Chef - Fresh Kitchen, Growth, Overtime Pay in Thame

Thame Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Job Search Place Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create fresh, high-quality dishes every shift.
  • Company: Join a fast-growing kitchen with a passion for real cooking.
  • Benefits: Enjoy overtime pay, staff meals, 28 days holiday, and career progression.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for personal development.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in a vibrant kitchen while developing your culinary skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or similar role with strong kitchen skills.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

We love real cooking. As Sous Chef you join a team that delivers high‑quality, fresh dishes every shift. You support the Head Chef, lead the kitchen staff, and keep the kitchen running effectively and safely.

Responsibilities

  • Lead shifts, manage the pass, and ensure food is on‑spec and on‑time.
  • Maintain stocks, health & safety, and hygiene standards.
  • Make decisions in the Head Chef’s absence, considering labour, stock, and food safety.
  • Champion training, recruitment, and development for kitchen teams.

Benefits

  • Overtime pay for hours worked over contracted hours.
  • Staff food every shift, 50% off food & drinks (incl. alcohol) from day one.
  • Paid breaks and 28 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays, pro‑rata.
  • Enhanced maternity and paternity pay after 2 years service.
  • Company pension scheme and long‑service awards.
  • Power over pay with Wagestream.
  • Emotional and practical support via the Licensed Trade Charity.
  • Personal development and career progression in a fast‑growing business.
  • Achievable bonuses and Christmas and Boxing Day off.

What you’ll bring

  • Existing Sous Chef or Junior Sous Chef/Assistant Kitchen Manager seeking the next step in their career.
  • Experience working with fresh ingredients and demonstrable chef/kitchen skills.
  • Rolling your sleeves up, leading from the front, and delivering excellent kitchen standards.
  • Driven and relentless at deconstructing the cannot mentality.
  • Familiar with KPIs and making decisions in the absence of the Head Chef.
  • Epic communication skills managing stakeholders and building trust with Ops Chefs and Ops Managers.
  • Strong knowledge of rota scheduling, sales and labour forecasts, reporting, recruitment, and HR.
  • Demonstrated successful delivery of training and recruitment for apprentices, KPs, Chefs, Junior Sous Chefs and Sous Chefs.

Lead Sous Chef - Fresh Kitchen, Growth, Overtime Pay in Thame employer: Job Search Place Limited

Join a vibrant and dynamic kitchen team where your passion for real cooking is celebrated. As a Lead Sous Chef at Fresh Kitchen, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth, offering opportunities for personal development and career progression in a fast-growing business. With benefits like overtime pay, generous staff discounts, and a commitment to work-life balance, this role provides a rewarding environment for culinary professionals looking to make their mark.

Job Search Place Limited

Contact Details:

Job Search Place Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Sous Chef - Fresh Kitchen, Growth, Overtime Pay in Thame

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Connect with other chefs and kitchen staff on social media or at industry events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

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 when you're chatting with potential employers.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants or kitchens you admire and express your interest. A personal touch can go a long way in landing that dream role.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Sous Chef - Fresh Kitchen, Growth, Overtime Pay in Thame

Leadership Skills
Kitchen Management
Food Safety Standards
Health and Hygiene Compliance
Training and Development
Communication Skills
Decision-Making

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Fresh Cooking:When you're writing your application, let your love for real cooking shine through! Share specific examples of how you've worked with fresh ingredients and what that means to you. We want to see your enthusiasm for delivering high-quality dishes.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Lead Sous Chef, you'll be managing the kitchen staff and leading shifts. Make sure to mention any previous experience where you've taken charge, trained others, or made decisions in a busy kitchen. We’re looking for someone who can roll their sleeves up and lead from the front!

Be Clear About Your Experience:We want to know about your journey in the kitchen! Detail your previous roles, especially if you've been a Sous Chef or Junior Sous Chef. Include any relevant skills like managing stock, health and safety standards, and your familiarity with KPIs. Clarity is key!

Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the next step? We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited

Know Your Ingredients

Familiarise yourself with fresh ingredients and their uses. Be ready to discuss your experience with them during the interview. This shows you’re not just a cook, but someone who understands the essence of quality cooking.

Showcase Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've led a kitchen team or managed shifts in the past. Highlight your ability to make decisions in the Head Chef’s absence and how you’ve maintained high standards under pressure.

Communicate Like a Pro

Practice your communication skills. You’ll need to build trust with Ops Chefs and Managers, so be clear and confident when discussing your experiences and how you handle stakeholder relationships.

Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect questions about KPIs, stock management, and health & safety. Think of specific scenarios where you’ve successfully navigated challenges in these areas, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.