At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring high-quality food and safety standards.
- Company: Join a vibrant café group known for fresh, customer-led cooking.
- 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 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
You love real cooking. 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.
Locations
Cafe Sous Chef in Essex, Rayleigh employer: Lounge Café Bars
Join our vibrant team in Rayleigh, where we prioritise fresh, high-quality cooking and a supportive work environment. As a Sous Chef, you'll benefit from competitive pay, generous discounts, and a strong focus on personal development, all while enjoying a lively culture that celebrates teamwork and creativity. With opportunities for career progression and a commitment to employee well-being, including paid breaks and a fantastic staff party, this is an excellent place to grow your culinary career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cafe Sous Chef in Essex, Rayleigh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, try to connect with current staff on social media or in person. This will give you insights into the kitchen culture and help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get a chance, bring a dish or two that showcases your culinary talents. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for fresh ingredients and high standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about KPIs! Brush up on your knowledge of kitchen performance metrics and be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed these in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our kitchen excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Cafe Sous Chef in Essex, Rayleigh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:Let us know how much you love real cooking! Share your experiences with fresh ingredients and highlight any special dishes you've created. 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. Talk about times you've supported your team or taken charge during busy shifts. We’re looking for someone who can engage and motivate others!
Be Detail-Oriented:We’re all about the details, from food safety to hygiene standards. In your application, mention how you ensure everything runs smoothly in the kitchen. Show us that you’re as relentless as we are when it comes to maintaining high standards!
Apply Through Our Website:Ready to join our team? Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 contribute to high-quality dishes. Be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you’ve used them in past roles. This shows your passion for real cooking, which is key for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff in the past. Talk about how you’ve engaged your team during busy shifts and maintained high standards, as this will demonstrate your ability to support the Head Chef effectively.
✨Understand Health & Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to the kitchen environment. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your current or previous roles, as this is crucial for maintaining 5* kitchen standards.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations, like handling a busy service or resolving a conflict in the kitchen. Think through your responses ahead of time, focusing on your decision-making process and how you prioritise tasks under pressure.
