Head Chef/ Sous Chef in Bicester

Head Chef/ Sous Chef in Bicester

Bicester Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Lounge Café Bars

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring high-quality food and safety standards.
  • Company: Join a vibrant hospitality group with a focus on fresh ingredients.
  • Benefits: Enjoy staff meals, discounts, paid breaks, and 28 days holiday.
  • Other info: Great opportunities for personal development and career progression.
  • Why this job: Take your culinary skills to the next level in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or Junior Sous Chef with strong kitchen skills.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

We do it, and you'll be doing it with us - fresh, customer led, and with high-quality ingredients. As Sous Chef, you'll be the Head Chef's go-to for support, leading and engaging the kitchen team to deliver 14 great shifts week in, week out. You'll be leading shifts, making sure the kitchen runs effectively and safely. You're as relentless as us about the detail, so you'll be all over things like stocks, Health & Safety and Hygiene, manning the pass to ensure our food goes out on-spec and on-time, and always upholding 5* kitchen standards.

  • Overtime pay for every hour worked over contracted hours!
  • Staff food on every shift
  • 50% off food and drinks (including alcohol) from day one at all three of our brands - Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside
  • Paid breaks
  • 28 days holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays) pro rata
  • Enhanced maternity and paternity pay after 2 years service
  • The most talked-about staff party in hospitality - Loungefest!
  • Company pension scheme
  • Long service awards
  • Great opportunity for personal development and career progression in a fast growing business
  • Achievable bonuses
  • Tips shared equally across the team, based on hours worked

You are probably an existing Sous Chef, or perhaps a Junior Sous Chef/Assistant Kitchen Manager that is looking to take the next step in your career. You will have experience of working with fresh ingredients and be able to demonstrate good chef/kitchen skills (food prep hot and cold, cleaning, knife skills, good hygiene practices) playing an active role in delivering excellent kitchen and food standards as part of a high performing team. Familiar with KPIs and making decisions in the absence of the Head Chef considering labour; food safety requirements plus others. Strong knowledge of best practice around rota scheduling, sales and labour forecasts, reporting, recruitment, HR etc. You will have demonstrated successful delivery of training and recruitment for kitchen teams including Apprentices, KPs, Chefs, Junior Sous Chefs and Sous Chefs.

Head Chef/ Sous Chef in Bicester employer: Lounge Café Bars

Join a vibrant and dynamic team as a Sous Chef in Bicester, where we prioritise fresh, high-quality ingredients and a customer-led approach. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer extensive benefits including overtime pay, generous discounts, and opportunities for career progression within our fast-growing business. Our supportive work culture is highlighted by engaging staff events like Loungefest and a commitment to maintaining 5* kitchen standards, making us an excellent employer for those looking to thrive in the hospitality industry.

Lounge Café Bars

Contact Details:

Lounge Café Bars Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef/ Sous Chef in Bicester

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Chat with fellow chefs, attend culinary events, and connect with industry folks on social media. You never know when a casual conversation might lead to your next big opportunity.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills in the kitchen! If you can, offer to do a trial shift or a cooking demo. This gives you a chance to shine and show how you can contribute to the team’s success.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Follow up after interviews with a friendly message thanking them for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to check out our website for openings! We’re always on the lookout for passionate chefs who want to grow with us. Apply directly through our site for the best chance at landing that dream role!

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef/ Sous Chef in Bicester

Leadership Skills
Kitchen Management
Food Preparation Skills
Health & Safety Compliance
Hygiene Standards
Stock Management
Knife Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Fresh Ingredients:When you're writing your application, let us know how much you love working with fresh ingredients. Share any experiences you've had that highlight your commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!

Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading the kitchen team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Talk about times you've successfully managed a team or taken charge during busy shifts. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and engage others!

Be Detail-Oriented:We’re all about the details, so don’t forget to mention your knowledge of Health & Safety and Hygiene standards. Include specific examples of how you've maintained high kitchen standards in your previous roles. This will show us that you’re as relentless about quality as we are!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of something great.

How to prepare for a job interview at Lounge Café Bars

Know Your Ingredients

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fresh ingredients and how they impact the dishes you'll be preparing. Be ready to discuss your favourite seasonal ingredients and how you incorporate them into your cooking. This shows your passion for quality and attention to detail.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities during the interview. Share examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team, handled conflicts, or trained new staff. This will highlight your capability to support the Head Chef effectively.

Understand Health & Safety Standards

Familiarise yourself with the latest health and safety regulations in the kitchen. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance and maintain hygiene standards. This not only shows your professionalism but also your commitment to running a safe kitchen environment.

Be Ready for Practical Questions

Expect practical questions that test your culinary skills and decision-making abilities. You might be asked how you would handle a busy service or manage food waste. Think through these scenarios beforehand so you can provide clear, confident answers that reflect your experience.