At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist the Head Chef in managing daily kitchen operations and developing innovative menu ideas.
- Company: Estelle Manor, a stunning rural retreat with a vibrant culinary team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, exclusive staff rates, biannual socials, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Enjoy 28 days holiday, a supportive culture, and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a creative kitchen environment where your ideas can shine and make an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37512 - 46612 £ per year.
Estelle Manor is a rural retreat set on an 85-acre estate in Oxfordshire. The manor has four restaurants, an extraordinary 3,000 sq metre Roman-inspired spa - Eynsham Baths, 108 bedrooms and a gym with class studios and padel courts. Plus, there’s a kids’ club for the little ones and a workspace. We are looking for a talented Sous Chef to join our incredible Culinary team within our Glasshouse kitchen.
The on target earning potential for this Sous Chef role is £46,611.96 per annum based on a 45 hour contract - comprising a base salary of £37,512.96 plus a qualified estimate of £9,000 in gratuities and service charge. Please note this role is paid hourly so this is a projected salary and OTE.
Responsibilities and role scope:
- Assisting the Head Chef to oversee and manage the daily operations within the Glasshouse kitchen.
- Delivering on the food concept vision and helping to develop innovative menu ideas, identifying new culinary opportunities within Estelle Manor.
- Updating briefs across departments on menu items, communicating all relevant provenance, allergens, nutritionals and other distinctive information.
- Overseeing budget and operations, assisting and engaging with the kitchen's senior leadership team to manage all food health & safety standards.
- Standing in for the Head Chef in absence, feeling empowered to make managerial decisions within the kitchen's operations, ultimately being responsible for the quality of all items leaving the kitchen.
Who we are looking for:
- A team orientated, positive, driven, organised and solution focused leader.
- Excellent communication and training skills.
- Ability to perform under pressure and deliver results to deadlines.
- Experience managing the daily operations, set up, standards, operating procedures.
- Someone who takes responsibility and initiative to explore issues and to generate new ideas with creative thinking.
- Excellent interpersonal, time management and organisational skills.
What’s in it for you?
At Estelle, we prioritize your well-being and growth, offering a range of perks to enrich your experience. Enjoy exclusive staff rates, biannual socials, and Estelleversary surprises. Nurture your well-being with stocked colleague spaces. Engage in forums shaping The Estelle Way. Utilise the provided uniforms and onsite seamstress support. Join us for a fulfilling journey where you are valued, supported, and celebrated.
We have a range of perks and benefits at your fingertips:
- Biannual company socials plus smaller social and sports groups.
- Exclusive staff rates and F&B discounts across sister properties.
- Estelleversary gifting for all employees.
- Colleague spaces stocked with food, drinks and a selection of juices, teas and coffees.
- Goes without saying but we will feed you during your shift.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Added protection of our pension, health cash plan and life assurance schemes.
- 28 days holiday, inclusive of bank holidays, which increases with length of service.
- Colleague Forums and Sustainability Committees to help create The Estelle Way.
- Recommend-a-friend bonus scheme.
- Uniform provided, cleaned, and pressed.
- Onsite seamstresses to ensure your uniform is fitted and repaired.
About gratuities & service charge:
Gratuities (tips) are paid on a pro-rata basis regardless of your role. It is estimated that in 2026, our full-time employees can expect to receive in the range of £9,000 in addition to their annual salary.
Sous Chef, Glasshouse in Witney employer: Maison Estelle
Estelle Manor is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its team members. With a vibrant work culture, generous benefits including exclusive staff rates, biannual socials, and a supportive environment for personal development, employees are celebrated and valued. Located in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside, this role as Sous Chef offers not only competitive earnings but also the opportunity to be part of a creative culinary team dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef, Glasshouse in Witney
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, whether it's through social media or local events. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Sous Chef position at Estelle Manor.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching Estelle Manor and its culinary vision. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to the innovative menu ideas they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Estelle team.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef, Glasshouse in Witney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Culinary Arts:When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see your creativity and enthusiasm for food.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Sous Chef role at Estelle Manor. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their background with our needs.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We value clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maison Estelle
✨Know Your Culinary Concepts
Before the interview, brush up on the food concept vision of Estelle Manor. Familiarise yourself with their menu styles and any innovative ideas they’ve implemented. This will show your passion for the role and your ability to contribute creatively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you’ll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen operations or trained team members in the past. Highlight your experience in making decisions under pressure, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly About Food Safety
Be ready to discuss your knowledge of food health and safety standards. Prepare to explain how you’ve ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would maintain these standards at Estelle Manor. Clear communication about allergens and nutrition is key!
✨Engage with Their Culture
Estelle Manor values a unified culture and sense of belonging. Research their employee perks and benefits, and think about how you can contribute to their community. Showing that you align with their values will make you a standout candidate.
