At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen teams and create exceptional culinary experiences at a prestigious racecourse.
- Company: York Racecourse, a historic venue with a vibrant atmosphere and modern facilities.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, health cover, pension contributions, and employee support programmes.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with flexible working arrangements and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in the culinary world.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in hospitality, strong culinary knowledge, and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The Venue Located on the historic Knavesmire, York Racecourse is one of the most prestigious and well-loved racecourses in the UK, set in the heart of Yorkshire. Renowned for its wide, sweeping track and vibrant atmosphere, the venue has been hosting world-class flat racing for over 280 years and is home to some of the sport's most iconic fixtures, including the internationally acclaimed Ebor Festival. Beyond racing, York Racecourse is a versatile events destination, offering a wide range of indoor and outdoor spaces suitable for conferences, exhibitions, hospitality, large scale events, and celebrations. The venue combines historic charm with modern facilities, providing high-quality production, flexible layouts, and excellent transport links, just minutes from York city centre.
The Role The Sous Chef plays a pivotal role in supporting the Head Chef and Senior Management team to deliver exceptional culinary experiences across all food operations. You will lead, motivate and develop kitchen teams while ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, food safety, and financial performance. This role requires a hands-on leader who is passionate about food innovation, operational excellence, and creating memorable experiences for clients and customers.
The Responsibilities:
- Support the Head Chef in creative menu development across Hospitality, Banqueting and Retail operations, including annual menu reviews, tastings and bespoke client menus.
- Lead and manage food production and kitchen brigades across all business areas and Conference & Banqueting events, ensuring exceptional quality, efficient staffing, minimal waste and adherence to in-house production standards.
- Manage kitchen teams in line with agreed rotas and work closely with Operations to ensure adequate porter and cleaning support while maintaining budget controls and kitchen hygiene standards.
- Deliver GP targets, monitor performance, and ensure full compliance with all relevant legislation, policies and procedures, including Food Safety, Health & Safety, Allergens and Calorie Labelling requirements.
- Deputise for the Head Chef as required, stay informed of industry trends and best practice, and undertake any additional duties assigned by the Senior Management team.
What We're Looking For:
- Significant senior-level experience within the hospitality or food & beverage sector, with a proven record of operational success in a similar environment.
- Excellent culinary knowledge, including current food trends, menu development, food presentation and commercial awareness, with a strong understanding of margins and cost control.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to lead by example, build relationships and develop talent within a team.
- Excellent organisational and practical skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- A proactive, positive and responsive approach, combined with strong IT skills, including a good working knowledge of Excel.
What We Can Offer:
- 25 Days Annual Leave - Work hard, rest well.
- Life Assurance - Peace of mind knowing your loved ones are protected.
- 5% Pension Contribution - Helping you prepare for a bright future.
- Healthshield Cover - Support with dental, physio, counselling and more for you and your children.
- Employee Assistance Programme - AXA Health support whenever you need it.
- Eye Care Support - Vouchers and contributions towards glasses.
- Cycle to Work Scheme - A greener, healthier commute.
- Employee Referral Scheme - Recommend great people and get rewarded.
Recruitment Process Outlined:
- 1st Stage- Introductory call with Talent Team
- 2nd Stage- Interview with Venue Team
Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks. These may include verification of identity, proof of address, right to work, employment history, qualifications, and where relevant to the role, a basic or enhanced DBS check. All checks will be carried out in line with data protection law and we will only request information that is necessary for the role.
Inclusive Workplace At Legends Global, we are committed to leading the entertainment industry towards a greener, faster, and more innovative digital future. There's never been a better time to join our team. We aim to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers, and suppliers. Join us and make a significant impact from day one. We are committed to active inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunities. This commitment begins with our recruitment and selection process. We welcome discussions about flexible working arrangements. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know in your application. We are dedicated to providing a fair and transparent assessment process and will do our utmost to accommodate your needs. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure it is considered. We will continue to review applications on a rolling basis and may close the advert before the closing date.
Sous Chef - York employer: Legends Global
Legends Global is an exceptional employer that prioritises operational excellence and employee development within the vibrant hospitality sector of London. With a strong focus on fostering a high-performance culture, employees benefit from generous annual leave, life assurance, and a robust pension scheme, all while working in a dynamic environment that encourages growth and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - York
✨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 Legends Global. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Legends Global
Don't be shy about reaching out to Legends Global 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 - York
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 Legends Global 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 Legends Global
✨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!
