At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and present delicious dishes while leading a dynamic kitchen team.
- Company: Join the historic Brownsea Castle, a stunning Tudor castle hotel.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, private boat service, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant work culture with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a unique culinary environment with creative freedom.
- Qualifications: Food Safety Level 3 and relevant chef qualifications required.
The Sous‑Chef position is located at Brownsea Castle, a Tudor castle hotel on Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour. The role involves preparing, presenting, and developing the hotel’s culinary offerings for guests.
Key responsibilities
- Assist the Head Chef in planning, producing, and delivering the food offer and presentation standards, in line with current trends and customer demand.
- Take responsibility for the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence.
- Lead the team to deliver food safety compliance and maintain the business standard for product knowledge and expertise.
- Use knowledge and expertise to train and develop chefs and kitchen porters on all aspects of food preparation.
- Drive catering sales to meet or exceed budget and last year’s performance, and achieve sales targets by ensuring front‑of‑house is fully equipped to upsell.
- Achieve first profit and GP targets by controlling food and pay costs and managing effective rotas.
- Conduct daily compliance checks, ensuring records are up to date (e.g., fridge temperatures, cleaning schedules, correct use of chemicals, PPE, H & S, and food safety policies).
- Ensure all legislative requirements for the catering environment, including allergens, are met.
- Act in accordance with the Partnership’s purpose and democratic principles.
Requirements and qualifications
- Food Safety Level 3.
- Relevant professional chef qualifications: City & Guilds diplomas in professional cookery, BTEC HNC in professional cookery, or equivalent.
- Proven leadership skills.
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Commercial awareness of GP to be achieved and price‑point limitations.
- Ability to interpret and enforce food safety policy and health and safety regulations.
- Understanding of HACCP.
- Team‑player attitude.
- Continuously pursue personal development to keep skill level and food style up to date and market‑trend driven.
Desired skills
- Skilled influencer, motivator, or coach.
- Keen developer of the food offer.
- Creative in food service.
- Able to adapt menu items to cater for individual requirements.
Other information
- Pay: £30,600 – £41,700 per year.
- Contract type: Permanent.
- Hours: 40 hours per week, flexible and varied shifts including weekends and evenings. Night premium of £4.25 per hour for work between 22:00 and 06:00.
- Location: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Dorset, BH137EE.
- Benefits: Private boat service to and from Poole Quay and Salterns Marina, parking information (see website), flexible working arrangements and possible compressed hours or job share as discussed with the manager.
Important points to note: Some roles are subject to pre‑employment vetting (DBS checks, financial probity checks). The partnership values flexible working and encourages early application as vacancies can close early.
Application deadline
- Closing date: July 4, 2026.
Sous Chef in Poole employer: John Lewis plc
Working as a Sous Chef at Brownsea Castle offers a unique opportunity to be part of a historic Tudor castle hotel located on the picturesque Brownsea Island. The company fosters a supportive work culture that values personal development and creativity, providing flexible working arrangements and a private boat service for easy access to the island. With a focus on culinary excellence and team collaboration, employees can thrive in an environment that encourages growth and innovation while enjoying the stunning surroundings of Poole Harbour.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Poole
✨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 John Lewis plc. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to John Lewis plc
Don't be shy about reaching out to John Lewis plc 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Poole
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 John Lewis plc 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 John Lewis plc
✨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!
