At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring high-quality food and safety standards.
- Company: Join a vibrant hospitality group with a passion for fresh 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 their 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
Head Chef/ Sous Chef in Kent, Sittingbourne employer: Lounge Café Bars
Join a vibrant and dynamic kitchen team in Sittingbourne, where your passion for real cooking will be celebrated. We offer a supportive work culture with opportunities for personal development and career progression, alongside fantastic benefits such as paid breaks, generous discounts, and a lively staff party that everyone talks about. With a commitment to high-quality ingredients and 5* kitchen standards, you'll thrive in an environment that values detail and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef/ Sous Chef in Kent, Sittingbourne
✨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, arrange a trial shift or a cooking demo. This gives you a chance to showcase your talent and passion for fresh, high-quality cooking right where it matters.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk numbers! Familiarise yourself with KPIs and be prepared to discuss how you've managed costs, labour, and food safety in previous roles. It shows you're not just about cooking but also about running a successful kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on new opportunities and get noticed by our hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef/ Sous Chef in Kent, Sittingbourne
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 in your application.
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 these standards are met in your kitchen. Show us that you’re as relentless as we are when it comes to maintaining 5* kitchen standards.
Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the next step in your culinary career? 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 cooking techniques. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you source quality produce. 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 the kitchen team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed shifts or trained new staff in the past. Highlight your ability to engage and motivate others, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand Health & Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to the kitchen environment. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance and maintain hygiene standards. This demonstrates your commitment to running an effective and safe kitchen.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific kitchen scenarios, like managing busy shifts or resolving conflicts within the team. Think through your responses ahead of time, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
