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 Lewes employer: Lounge Café Bars
Join a vibrant and dynamic team in Lewes, where we prioritise fresh, high-quality ingredients and a customer-led approach. As an employer, we offer a supportive work culture with opportunities for personal development and career progression, alongside fantastic benefits such as overtime pay, generous discounts, and a celebrated staff party. With a focus on teamwork and excellence, you'll thrive in an environment that values your contributions and encourages growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef/ Sous Chef in Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and industry folks. Attend local food events or workshops, and don’t be shy about chatting with people – you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in the kitchen! If you can, arrange a trial shift or a cooking demo at the place you’re applying to. It’s a great way to showcase your talent and get a feel for the team and the vibe of the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk numbers! Familiarise yourself with KPIs and how they impact kitchen operations. When you’re in an interview, being able to discuss how you’ve managed costs, labour, and food safety will show you’re serious about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from passionate candidates like you. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and being part of our culinary journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef/ Sous Chef in Lewes
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, Hygiene, and kitchen standards. Include specific examples of how you've maintained these standards in your previous roles. It’s crucial for us that you uphold our 5* kitchen standards!
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 serious about joining our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lounge Café Bars
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the fresh ingredients and dishes that the company prides itself on. Be ready to discuss your experience with sourcing, preparing, and presenting high-quality food. This shows your passion for culinary excellence and aligns with their commitment to quality.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff, trained new team members, or resolved conflicts in a busy kitchen environment. This will demonstrate your ability to support the Head Chef effectively.
✨Understand Health & Safety Standards
Brush up on your knowledge of health and safety regulations, as well as hygiene practices. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in the kitchen and share any relevant experiences where you upheld these standards. This is crucial for maintaining the 5* kitchen standards they expect.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about situations where you had to make quick decisions regarding labour, food safety, or kitchen operations. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making abilities during the interview.
