Sous Chef in Nottingham

Sous Chef in Nottingham

Nottingham Full-Time 32000 - 38000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Oak View Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create exceptional 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 landmark dining experience and showcase your culinary creativity.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef in fine dining.

The predicted salary is between 32000 - 38000 £ 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 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 Sous Chef or strong Junior 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 £32,000 + TRONC (OTE £38k) 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.

Sous Chef in Nottingham employer: Oak View Group

At Oak View Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. As a Sous Chef at Cleaver & Wake in Nottingham, you will not only have the opportunity to showcase your culinary creativity but also benefit from comprehensive training programmes, career progression, and a supportive team environment. With competitive salaries, private healthcare, and discounts across our venues, we are dedicated to ensuring our employees thrive both personally and professionally.
Oak View Group

Contact Detail:

Oak View Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Nottingham

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, attend culinary events, and connect with industry professionals on social media. 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 showcasing your best dishes and any special projects you've worked on. This can really help you stand out during interviews and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants or venues you admire, like Cleaver & Wake, and express your interest. A personal touch can go a long way in landing that dream sous chef position.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Oak View Group, which is always a bonus!

We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Nottingham

Leadership Skills
Mentoring
Organisational Skills
Creativity
Menu Development
Food Safety Compliance
Hygiene Standards
High-Quality Ingredients Knowledge
Fine-Dining Experience
Calm Under Pressure
Collaboration
Problem-Solving
Passion for Food

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Talk about your favourite dishes, cooking techniques, or even memorable experiences in the kitchen. We want to see that you’re not just a chef, but someone who truly enjoys creating beautiful meals.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've motivated and developed junior chefs in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others and foster a positive kitchen culture!

Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Talk about the fine-dining environments you've worked in, the types of cuisine you’ve mastered, and any special projects you’ve contributed to. This helps us understand how your background aligns with our vision at Cleaver & Wake.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to attach your CV and cover letter seamlessly. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Oak View Group!

How to prepare for a job interview at Oak View Group

✨Know Your Ingredients

Familiarise yourself with the key ingredients and techniques used in modern British cooking. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would elevate them using seasonal produce. This shows your passion for food and creativity.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a high-pressure kitchen environment. Highlight your mentoring approach and how you foster a positive culture among junior chefs. This will demonstrate your fit for the role.

✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge

Brush up on food safety regulations and hygiene standards. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in the kitchen, as this is crucial for maintaining high standards in a fine-dining setting.

✨Engage with the Menu Development Process

Think about how you can contribute to menu innovation. Bring ideas to the table that reflect seasonality and creativity. Discussing your vision for future dishes will show your enthusiasm for the role and commitment to excellence.

Sous Chef in Nottingham
Oak View Group
Location: Nottingham

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