At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen brigade and create high-quality French dishes in a vibrant environment.
- Company: Join La Nouvelle Garde, a modern French brasserie redefining culinary classics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, staff meals covered, and discounts at all brasseries.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting grand opening and make your mark in a dynamic kitchen.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality, strong leadership skills, and a passion for classic cooking.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 45000 £ per year.
Excited to be part of a new opening in London? La Nouvelle Garde is bringing its vibrant take on a modern French Brasserie to Chelsea with Brasserie Olivia. We’re looking for high-energy talent to join the family. If you love a fast‑paced "people‑led" rush and want to be part of a legendary grand opening, join us on the floor, in the kitchen, pastry, or at the bar!
About La Nouvelle Garde: We’re redefining the classics! Serving generous, beautifully executed French dishes in lively, high‑energy spaces. Our restaurants are fast‑paced, people‑led and never stuffy. Quality matters. Atmosphere matters. But above all, team spirit is at the heart of everything we do!
The Role: As a Sous‑Chef – you are a key pillar of the kitchen. You support the Head Chef in leading the brigade and delivering high standards, and you are confident stepping up to lead the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef.
What We’re Offering:
- From £37,000 to £45,000 annual salary (inclusive of Tronc)
- 28 days holiday
- Start date: ASAP
Why It’s Awesome to Join La Nouvelle Garde:
- GP Service & EAP discount: access to a virtual GP and confidential counselling, supporting you on and off shift.
- Everything is homemade – we receive whole cuts of meat and entire fish, and everything is prepared in‑house.
- 100% of your staff meal covered during working hours.
- 50% discount in all our brasseries to treat yourself.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the brigade during prep and service to ensure consistently high‑quality French brasserie food.
- Train junior chefs on recipes, techniques, and standards while providing regular coaching.
- Manage sections and prep lists effectively to ensure smooth service.
- Support food cost control, waste reduction, and stock rotation to protect margins.
- Maintain impeccable standards of food safety, hygiene, and HACCP compliance.
- Ensure strong coordination and clear communication with the Front of House team.
We’re Looking For Experience & Qualities:
- Strong sense of hospitality and guest service.
- Leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent presentation.
- Availability and responsiveness.
- Pastry, organized, and calm under pressure.
- Passionate about classic cooking.
Nouvelle Garde is an equal opportunities employer, and we view diversity as a key strength of our business. Nouvelle Garde is committed to recruiting, recognising, and promoting all talent, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion, background, or disability. The more diverse our profiles, the better equipped our teams will be to carry out our mission: Boire et manger à la française.
Please note: All applicants must hold a valid visa or the right to work in the UK.
Junior Sous Chef employer: La Nouvelle Garde
La Nouvelle Garde is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and dynamic work environment in the heart of Chelsea. With a strong emphasis on team spirit and quality, employees benefit from comprehensive support services, generous staff meals, and significant discounts across all brasseries. The company fosters growth through hands-on training and leadership opportunities, making it an ideal place for passionate culinary professionals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant scene in London! Visit places like Brasserie Olivia and chat with staff. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you understand what they value in a team member.
✨Tip Number 2
Network, network, network! Attend culinary events or workshops where you can meet chefs and industry professionals. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a dish or two to share during your interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your cooking abilities and passion for French cuisine right off the bat.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining La Nouvelle Garde. Make sure to highlight your leadership skills and experience in fast-paced environments.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let your love for classic cooking shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your culinary journey and why you’re excited about joining La Nouvelle Garde.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Junior Sous Chef, we want to see your ability to lead and train others. Mention any past experiences where you’ve successfully managed a team or mentored junior chefs, as this will show us you’re ready to step up!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to structure your thoughts well and avoid unnecessary fluff. This will help us see your key strengths quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Brasserie Olivia.
How to prepare for a job interview at La Nouvelle Garde
✨Know Your French Cuisine
Brush up on classic French dishes and techniques. Be ready to discuss your favourite recipes and how you would put a modern twist on them. This shows your passion for the cuisine and your creativity in the kitchen.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or trained junior chefs in the past. Highlight your ability to maintain high standards under pressure, as this is crucial for a Junior Sous Chef role.
✨Emphasise Team Spirit
La Nouvelle Garde values team spirit highly, so be sure to express your enthusiasm for working collaboratively. Share experiences where you’ve contributed to a positive team environment or helped resolve conflicts.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the restaurant's vision, menu development, and team dynamics. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the restaurant aligns with your values and work style.
