At a Glance
- Tasks: Support kitchen operations, lead services, and develop team skills.
- Company: Join the Golden Pheasant, a thriving Cheshire country pub with a rich history.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, tips, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing team and make a real impact on food quality.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen and a passion for great food.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The Golden Pheasant in Plumley is looking for a Sous Chef to support our kitchen team in a busy Cheshire country pub, restaurant and rooms business. This role is about more than helping to run services. It is about supporting food consistency, developing standards, training the team and helping create a kitchen culture that is proud of what it delivers every day.
This is a great opportunity for an experienced Sous Chef, or a strong Junior Sous Chef ready to take the next step, to grow within a business that has clear ambition and the support of JW Lees behind it. We are looking for someone who cares about proper pub food, calm leadership and high standards. Someone who can support the Head Chef, lead by example during service and help the wider team improve.
You will have the opportunity to work with good quality produce, support in-house specials, develop your own skills and play an important part in the future growth of the kitchen.
Why this role is worth looking at:
- Join a well-established Cheshire country pub, restaurant and rooms kitchen
- Be part of a business building on a record 24/25 year
- Help improve food consistency, kitchen standards and service delivery
- Work with maintained kitchen kit and good quality produce
- Support the creation and delivery of in-house specials
- Train, coach and support the team's individual development
- Build your own leadership skills with genuine progression opportunities
- Be backed by JW Lees, a family brewer and pub company with nearly 200 years of history
- Share in the success of the business through tips and tronc
What we offer our Sous Chefs:
- Competitive pay, plus cash tips and tronc
- A well-equipped kitchen with maintained kit
- Input into specials and the chance to work with good quality produce
- 30% discount on food and drink across our pubs, inns and hotels
- 50% off food when on shift
- Discounted stays in our hotels and inns
- 24-hour confidential wellbeing support
- Career development through internal and external programmes
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption policies
- Access to JW BenefitHub for high street and online discounts
What you will be doing:
As Sous Chef, you will support the day-to-day running of the kitchen and help set the standard for the team. You will:
- Support the Head Chef with daily kitchen operations
- Lead sections and services with confidence
- Help make sure every dish leaves the kitchen to specification
- Drive food quality, consistency and speed of service
- Support strong stock control, ordering and kitchen organisation
- Take pride in food safety, cleanliness and 5-star standards
- Help train and develop the kitchen team
- Support specials and menu ideas
- Work closely with front of house to deliver a great guest experience
- Step up and lead the kitchen when needed
What we are looking for:
We are looking for a Sous Chef who is hands-on, organised and passionate about great food. You will need to be calm under pressure, strong on standards and confident supporting a team through busy services. You should care about the detail: food quality, cleanliness, prep standards, stock control and service times. But you should also want to grow. This role would suit someone who wants to develop their leadership skills and take the next step in their kitchen career. You do not need to know everything already. You do need to care, take pride in your work and want to keep improving.
A note from Carl, General Manager: "We are building on a record year and looking for people who want to be part of the next stage of growth at The Golden Pheasant. This is a role for a Sous Chef who wants support, development and the chance to help build a kitchen team that grows with the business. If you care about food, people, consistency and pride in the job, we would love to hear from you."
No polished CV ready? No problem. Apply through Harri and we can start with an informal chat. Apply now and take the next step in your kitchen career with JW Lees.
About JW Lees: Proudly family owned and nearly 200 years old, JW Lees are the original modern, traditional brewer. With 150 pubs, inns and hotels across the North West and North Wales, we are passionate about great beer, fantastic food and memorable experiences. We put people at the heart of our business, always doing the right thing and always sticking together. Our six values are at the heart of everything we do: Proud - Savvy - Honest - Passionate - Personal - Together.
Locations
Sous Chef - Plumley in Alderley Edge, Cheshire employer: JW Lees
JW Lees in Menai Bridge is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and teamwork, making it a fantastic place for a Chef de Partie to thrive. With nearly 200 years of experience, the company offers competitive pay, cash tips, and enticing perks such as discounts on food and drink, all within a supportive work culture that fosters growth and camaraderie among staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - Plumley in Alderley Edge, Cheshire
✨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 JW Lees. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to JW Lees
Don't be shy about reaching out to JW Lees 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 - Plumley in Alderley Edge, Cheshire
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 JW Lees 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 JW Lees
✨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!
