At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring high-quality food and safety standards.
- Company: Join a vibrant contract catering company focused on fresh ingredients and customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, staff discounts, paid breaks, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Be part of exciting events like Loungefest and enjoy shared tips!
- Why this job: Perfect opportunity for career growth in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or Junior Sous Chef with strong kitchen skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ 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.
Sous Chef - Contract catering - Work life Balance in Reading employer: Lounge Café Bars
Join a vibrant and supportive team as a Sous Chef in Reading, where we prioritise work-life balance and a positive kitchen culture. Enjoy a range of benefits including generous holiday allowance, paid breaks, and a unique staff party, all while having the opportunity for personal development and career progression in a fast-growing business. With a focus on fresh ingredients and high standards, you'll thrive in an environment that values your skills and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - Contract catering - Work life Balance in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs and industry contacts on social media or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a great Sous Chef position.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in the kitchen! If you can, organise a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This gives you a chance to shine and show how you can lead a team and maintain those 5* standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your experience! Prepare some stories that highlight your leadership skills and how you've tackled challenges in the kitchen. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef - Contract catering - Work life Balance in Reading
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 when 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 attention to health and safety standards, hygiene practices, and kitchen operations. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you maintain high standards in the kitchen. This will show us you’re a perfect fit for our team!
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 see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lounge Café Bars
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the fresh ingredients you'll be working with. Be ready to discuss your experience with sourcing, preparing, and cooking with these ingredients. This shows your passion for quality and attention to detail, which is crucial for a Sous Chef.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff in the past. Highlight your ability to train and motivate others, as well as how you handle challenges during busy shifts.
✨Understand Health & Safety Standards
Brush up on your knowledge of health and safety regulations in the kitchen. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented these standards in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe and hygienic work environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations, like handling a busy service or resolving a conflict within the team. Think through your responses ahead of time, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure.
