At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head Chef and lead a talented kitchen team in a luxury setting.
- Company: Join a vibrant luxury Spanish restaurant with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, clear progression to Head Chef, and accommodation assistance.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth within a growing restaurant group.
- Why this job: Fast-track your culinary career and make your mark in fine dining.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-end restaurants and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30150 - 36850 £ per year.
LJ Recruitment is supporting a luxury Spanish restaurant in Maidenhead in the appointment of an ambitious and talented Sous Chef, with a genuine opportunity to progress to Head Chef within 6-12 months for the right person. This is an exciting opportunity for a chef with fine dining, high-end restaurant or luxury hospitality experience who is ready to take the next step in their career and prove themselves at Head Chef level.
The restaurant offers modern Spanish cuisine in a stylish and vibrant setting, with a tapas-led menu focused on quality ingredients, flavour, presentation and consistency. With the ability to serve up to 450 covers on busy days, this is a high-volume operation requiring strong organisation, technical ability and confident leadership. Spanish cuisine experience is desirable but not essential.
This role offers a clear progression pathway for an ambitious chef. For the right person, there is an opportunity to move into the Head Chef position within 6-12 months, subject to performance, leadership ability and demonstrating the required standards. You will work closely with the current Head Chef and gain valuable experience across kitchen leadership, menu development, food cost, stock control, ordering, team management and service operations.
The Role
- Support the Head Chef with the day-to-day running of the kitchen
- Lead and motivate a brigade of 5-6 chefs
- Take responsibility for the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence
- Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, presentation and consistency
- Assist with menu development and seasonal dishes
- Manage preparation, service and kitchen organisation
- Support stock control, ordering and supplier management
- Maintain excellent food hygiene, HACCP and health & safety standards
- Ensure efficient service during high-volume periods of up to 450 covers
- Coach and develop junior members of the brigade
- Take increasing responsibility with a view to progressing to Head Chef within 6-12 months
About You
We're looking for a chef with high standards, ambition and genuine leadership potential. You will ideally have:
- Experience within fine dining, high-end restaurants, luxury hotels or premium hospitality
- Strong culinary foundations and excellent technical ability
- A genuine passion for ingredients, flavour and presentation
- Experience leading a kitchen brigade during demanding services
- A calm, organised and professional approach under pressure
- Strong communication and team leadership skills
- A hands-on approach and the ability to lead by example
- The ambition and ability to progress into a Head Chef position
Spanish or tapas experience would be advantageous but is not essential. What matters most is your level of cooking, your standards, your leadership ability and your ambition to progress.
What You'll Receive
- Up to £35,000 basic salary
- £43,000-£44,000 OTE including Tronc
- Clear progression to Head Chef within 6-12 months for the right person
- Accommodation assistance available
- Five straight shifts per week, on a rota basis
- Opportunity to contribute to menu development and culinary direction
- Career progression within a growing restaurant group
- Opportunity to grow with a group currently operating two established sites, with a third opening next year
This isn't simply another Sous Chef position. It's an opportunity for an ambitious chef to join a quality-driven restaurant and work towards their first Head Chef position within a defined 6-12 month timeframe. If you've built your career in fine dining, Michelin, Rosette, luxury hotels or high-end independent restaurants and you're ready to take the next step, we'd love to hear from you. You don't necessarily need Spanish experience. You need high standards, strong technical ability, leadership potential and the ambition to become a Head Chef.
Apply now for a confidential conversation with LJ Recruitment and take the next step in your culinary career.
Sous Chef in Maidenhead employer: LJ Recruitment Careers
Join our vibrant nursery team in Tonbridge as an Early Years Room Leader, where you will enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With benefits like free lunches, generous holiday allowances, and corporate gym membership, we foster an environment that encourages growth and collaboration, ensuring you can thrive while making a meaningful impact on children's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Maidenhead
✨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 LJ Recruitment Careers. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to LJ Recruitment Careers
Don't be shy about reaching out to LJ Recruitment Careers 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 Maidenhead
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 LJ Recruitment Careers 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 LJ Recruitment Careers
✨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!
