At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create unforgettable dining experiences.
- Company: Join an award-winning pub group that values its people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals, flexible shifts, and discounts on dining and hotel stays.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career progression and personal development.
- Why this job: Grow your culinary career in a supportive, hands-on environment.
- Qualifications: 1 year of sous chef experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
We’re on the lookout for an energetic, hands-on Front of Sous Chef to join our fantastic team. If you thrive in a fast-paced, people-focused environment, love creating unforgettable guest experiences, and want to grow your career with an award-winning company, then this could be your next big move.
What’s in it for you?
- Competitive salary: Up to £34,000 per year, plus Tronc
- Free meal on shift – fuel your day with delicious food from our kitchen
- Flexible shifts & enhanced holiday – work-life balance matters here
- Up to 50% off meals when dining with up to 6 guests
- 33% off hotel stays across our collection
- Award-winning training with a clear pathway to General Manager
- Wage streaming service – access your pay when you need it
- Salary Extras Portal – discounts at Asda, Aldi, B&Q, H&M, Clarks, Tesco & more, plus Cycle2Work scheme
- Service Awards & Birthday Gift – because you matter
- £1000 refer-a-friend & chef recruitment incentives
Sous Chef Requirements:
- Be a strong Leader, with the ability to train, coach and develop junior chefs
- At least 1 year experience as a Sous/junior Sous chef
- Great communication skills
- Right to Work in the UK
- Excellent culinary and presentation skills
Sous Chef Responsibilities:
- To work and support the Head Chef and management
- Experience working within company defined menus and recipes
- Manage staff rosters and allocation of work details
- Be able to fulfil training and growth of the team
- Be able to food order, stock control and correct storage of food stocks
- A genuine desire to provide high quality food and service
- Maintain and manage the required high operational and personal standard of hygiene and presentation within the team at all times
- Comply with all Food safety, fire, Health and safety, licensing and employment laws
We are looking for great people to join us. Our company is big enough to support you but small enough to care about your individual needs. We are a friendly, hands-on team who have a passion for running great pubs. We are always on the lookout for like-minded people who have the desire to work and grow with us.
About Us: We believe our people are the heart of our success. We’re passionate about great food, quality drinks, and warm hospitality – all delivered in beautiful settings. We don’t just hire great people – we invest in them. That’s why we offer:
- Award-winning online training academy – learn anytime, anywhere
- Hands-on supplier experiences – from craft brewery tours to farm visits
- Career progression & apprenticeships – we help you grow
About You: You’re the kind of person who:
- Brings passion for great food, drink, and service
- Obsessed with food, flavour, and presentation
- Organised, focused, and always raising the bar
- Hands-on, sleeves-up, lead-by-example attitude
- Flexible for evenings, weekends, and busy periods
It’s an exciting time to join us! We are growing, and we want you to grow with us and be part of our success. We’ve been busy investing in our business and we are seeing some great results. So, we want to continue to grow our pub family and we are looking to recruit passionate people into our team.
Sous Chef employer: Navigation Inn
Upham Inns is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its team members. With flexible shift patterns, generous discounts on meals and accommodation, and a clear pathway for career growth, we foster a supportive and engaging work culture where every Cleaner can thrive. Join us in our beautiful pubs across Southern England, where you will be part of a passionate family dedicated to delivering outstanding experiences for our guests.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Navigation Inn. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Navigation Inn
Don't be shy about reaching out to Navigation Inn directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Navigation Inn and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Navigation Inn
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!