At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create stunning dishes in a fine-dining environment.
- Company: Join Oak View Group, revolutionising live events and hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, gym discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with ongoing career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of Nottingham's iconic dining scene and showcase your culinary creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior Sous Chef or strong Sous Chef in fine dining.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 44000 £ per year.
Oak View Group is reinventing the way the world comes together. Driven by a passion to revolutionise the live events industry with dynamic thinking and an unshakeable dedication to those we serve, OVG turns up the volume on what makes life extraordinary.
About the Venue
The Island Quarter has already become an iconic canal-side destination for Nottingham, boasting three storeys of restaurants, bars, and events space. From casual all-day dining, drinks and entertainment at Binks Yard with its expansive outdoor terrace, stage and screen built for live performances and sports screening, to refined dining at the Cleaver & Wake restaurant and bar using the very best ingredients from across the British Isles, this multi-purpose venue is truly one of a kind. The Island Quarter is managed by Rhubarb, part of Oak View Group.
Role Purpose
Where creativity meets precision. Where ambition becomes craft. Cleaver & Wake is Nottingham’s landmark dining destination - a celebration of modern British cooking, exceptional produce, and the artistry of a kitchen that thrives on excellence. As part of Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, we deliver unforgettable experiences through bold flavours, refined technique, and a relentless commitment to quality.
We are now looking for a Senior Sous Chef who brings energy, leadership, and a passion for beautiful food to join our award‑winning brigade.
What you'll be doing:
- Supporting the Head Chef in the day‑to‑day leadership of the kitchen, ensuring exceptional standards across prep, service and presentation.
- Running services with confidence, maintaining consistency, precision and pace in a high‑performing fine‑dining environment.
- Leading, coaching and developing junior chefs, fostering a positive, collaborative and growth‑focused kitchen culture.
- Contributing to menu development, bringing creativity, seasonality and innovation to each dish.
- Ensuring full compliance with food safety, hygiene and kitchen management standards.
- Working closely with the wider team to deliver a seamless, memorable guest experience.
What we're looking for:
- Experience as a Senior Sous Chef or strong Sous Chef within a fine‑dining or premium restaurant setting.
- A passion for exceptional food, modern techniques and high‑quality ingredients.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, mentor and support a brigade.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑standards kitchen.
- A calm, positive and solutions‑focused approach to service.
- Commitment to maintaining the highest levels of food safety and kitchen hygiene.
Good to know:
Please note, this role is only open to candidates located in and with the right to work in the UK. Salary is £38,000 + TRONC (OTE £44k) Excellent benefits including private healthcare, corporate gym discount, F&B discount, multiple training and development programmes, cross exposure to our growing portfolio of venues, restaurants and events in the UK and beyond, ongoing career progression and more!
Our Inclusion Commitments:
OVG is for everyone. Diversity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Wherever you come from, wherever you are going, we’d love to hear from you. If you need any additional support or adjustments with your application, let us know and we will work with you to ensure you have everything you need.
Employee Screening and Eligibility to Work:
If successful in your application, you will be required to provide eligibility to work evidence in line with the ‘Eligibility to Work in the UK’ requirements. All candidates will receive a response.
Senior Sous Chef in Nottingham employer: Oak View Group
Oak View Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and excellence in the culinary arts. As a Senior Sous Chef at Cleaver & Wake, you will thrive in a dynamic environment that prioritises professional growth, with access to extensive training programmes and opportunities across a diverse portfolio of venues. Located in the iconic Island Quarter of Nottingham, you'll be part of a team dedicated to delivering unforgettable dining experiences while enjoying competitive benefits such as private healthcare and corporate discounts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow chefs, attend industry events, or join culinary groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider creating a portfolio of your best dishes or even a social media page dedicated to your culinary creations. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—apply through our website! We love seeing passionate candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Cleaver & Wake. Tailor your application to show how you fit into our vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your leadership style. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to our kitchen culture and elevate the dining experience at The Island Quarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about modern British cooking. We want to see that energy and creativity in your words.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've motivated and developed junior chefs in the past. We’re all about fostering a positive kitchen culture!
Be Precise and Organised:In a fine-dining environment, precision is key. Use your application to demonstrate your organisational skills and how you maintain high standards in a fast-paced kitchen. We appreciate clarity and attention to detail!
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 keen on joining our team at The Island Quarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oak View Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the best local produce and seasonal ingredients. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate these into your dishes at Cleaver & Wake, showcasing your creativity and understanding of modern British cooking.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your mentoring approach and how you foster a positive kitchen culture, as this is crucial for the role of Senior Sous Chef.
✨Master the Menu
Research the current menu at Cleaver & Wake and think about how you could contribute to its development. Bring ideas that reflect seasonality and innovation, demonstrating your passion for exceptional food.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your experience with food safety and hygiene standards. This is vital in a fine-dining environment, so show that you understand the importance of compliance and maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
