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 - Cleaver & Wake in Nottingham employer: Oak View Group
At Oak View Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions creativity and collaboration. As a Sous Chef at Cleaver & Wake, you'll not only enjoy competitive benefits such as private healthcare and ongoing training opportunities but also be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering unforgettable dining experiences in Nottingham's iconic canal-side venue. Join us to grow your culinary career in an environment that values innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - Cleaver & Wake in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, check out Cleaver & Wake and its vibe. Familiarise yourself with their menu and the kind of dining experience they offer. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to bring your A-game.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can give you insider tips about the kitchen culture and what the Head Chef values most in a Sous Chef. Plus, it’s always good to have a friendly face when you walk in!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Prepare a few ideas for dishes that could fit into their menu. This not only highlights your culinary skills but also demonstrates your passion for modern British cooking and innovation. Bring your unique flair to the table!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef - Cleaver & Wake 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 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 clear and concise language in your application to demonstrate your organisational skills. We appreciate candidates who can thrive under pressure while maintaining high standards.
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 ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oak View Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the best ingredients from across the British Isles, as this is key for a role at Cleaver & Wake. Be ready to discuss your favourite seasonal produce and how you would incorporate them into dishes.
✨Show Off Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll need to lead and mentor junior chefs. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team in a high-pressure kitchen environment, highlighting your ability to foster a positive culture.
✨Demonstrate Your Creativity
Be prepared to talk about your approach to menu development. Share ideas for innovative dishes that reflect modern British cooking, and be ready to discuss how you balance creativity with precision in a fine-dining setting.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Understanding food safety and hygiene is crucial. Brush up on the latest standards and be ready to explain how you ensure compliance in your kitchen. This shows your commitment to maintaining high standards.
