At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring high standards and exceptional service.
- Company: Lillie’s, a sparkling wine bar and British sharing plates restaurant.
- Benefits: Health care package, gym discounts, bonus potential, and exciting career development.
- Other info: Inclusive culture celebrating individuality and diverse backgrounds.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and elevate your culinary skills in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading a busy kitchen and a passion for British food.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Lillie’s is a sparkling wine bar and British sharing plates restaurant rooted in the rhythms of the English countryside.
A celebration of homegrown supply, seasonal cooking, and modern British hospitality, it brings together the best of our fields, farms, and shores, paired with an expressive selection of sparkling wines from Britain and beyond.
With expansive views across West London, the space offers a refined yet welcoming setting, designed to attract those seeking a premium and elevated experience at Olympia.
We’re looking for a Sous Chef who knows what great looks like and has the leadership skills to make sure the team delivers it, every single service.
As Sous Chef, you’ll be a key part of leading our kitchen team and bringing the Lillie’s experience to life.
This is a role for someone who is passionate about super service, exceptional standards and developing people, someone who leads from the front, stays calm under pressure and never compromises on quality.
- What you’ll be doing
- Lead the kitchen team through every service, setting the pace, energy and standards.
- Make sure every dish is delivered to a consistently high standard, from preparation through to presentation.
- Be a role model for super service, creating a kitchen culture where speed, precision and quality go hand in hand.
- Coach, motivate and develop the team, giving clear direction and feedback.
- Work closely with the Head Chef to maintain and continuously raise our food and service standards.
- Take ownership of kitchen organisation, preparation and service readiness.
- Ensure all food safety, hygiene and compliance standards are consistently met.
- Support with stock control, ordering, waste management and GP performance.
- Build strong relationships with the FOH team to ensure a seamless experience from the kitchen to the guest.
- Take full ownership of the kitchen when the Head Chef is away.
- What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who lives and breathes hospitality.
You’ll have experience leading a busy kitchen and understand that exceptional food is only one part of creating an exceptional guest experience.
You’ll be
- A hands-on leader who creates a positive and supportive kitchen environment.
- Obsessed with consistency, quality and the details that make a difference.
- Passionate about British food, great produce and delivering food to a high standard.
- Calm, organised and confident when service gets busy.
- Someone who sets the standard through their own actions.
- A natural coach who enjoys developing and getting the best out of their team.
- Commercially aware, with a good understanding of stock, waste and kitchen performance.
- Strong on communication and collaboration, particularly between Kitchen and FOH.
- Experienced in maintaining excellent food safety, hygiene and compliance standards.
This is a role for a Sous Chef who wants to lead, not just manage. Someone who takes pride in their team, their kitchen and every plate that leaves the pass.
If that sounds like you, we’d love to meet you.
Benefits & Best Bits
Health Care Package: Dental, Optical and Health insurance. Gym membership discounts + other rewards
Self Space: Free Therapy through Self Space. Accessible to anyone who works for Incipio
Hugely exciting career development, with opportunities to grow and expand in this role as the business grows
- 10% Bonus capacity paid annually
- Company awards and events
- Sickness & Compassionate Pay
- Incentive trips (Think Wine trips to Portugal and Ski Trips to France)
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption leave
- Incipio FC + Seasonal Socials
- 50% discount for food and drink in all our venues
- Length in service; earn additional holiday after 2 years continuous service
- Incipio & Inclusivity
We’re all about celebrating individuality & inclusivity.
At Incipio, we believe diverse teams make the best teams.
That’s why we welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives; regardless of race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you uniquely you.
If you need any adjustments during the application process, just let us know.
We’ve got you!
Sous Chef employer: Lillies
At Lillie’s, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant work culture and prioritises employee growth. As a Sous Chef, you'll not only lead a passionate kitchen team but also enjoy a range of benefits including a health care package, exciting career development opportunities, and unique incentives like wine trips and seasonal socials, all set against the stunning backdrop of West London. Join us in creating memorable dining experiences while being part of a diverse and inclusive team that values your individuality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨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 Lillies. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Lillies
Don't be shy about reaching out to Lillies 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
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 Lillies 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 Lillies
✨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!
