At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop our cafe kitchen, creating high-quality dishes and inspiring the team.
- Company: Join a purpose-driven luxury brand committed to people, community, and the environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy casual dress, free food, employee discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours, excellent career growth, and a vibrant team culture await you.
- Why this job: Step into a key role with creative freedom and make a real impact on dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Sous Chef, strong leadership skills, and a passion for food.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a passionate, experienced, and driven Sous Chef to help lead and develop our cafe experience. As a certified B Corp, we are committed to balancing purpose with performance. Our decisions are guided not only by commercial success, but by our responsibility to our people, community, and the environment. Our values—Care, Togetherness, Energy, and Curiosity—sit at the heart of everything we do, from how we serve our customers to how we support and lead our teams. This is more than just a job. It’s an opportunity to step into a key role, supporting the Head Chef and senior team in menu development, kitchen organisation, and team direction. You will lead in the Head Chef’s absence, ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly and that every dish reflects the high standards expected of a luxury brand. The role requires a rare combination of strong leadership, proven experience, and a genuine passion for people and excellence. The hours and cover expectations are manageable—but the standards are high, and consistency is essential.
As Sous Chef, you will be a vital part of our kitchen leadership team, responsible for delivering exceptional food and an outstanding dining experience to our growing number of guests.
Key Responsibilities- Prepare and deliver high-quality dishes with consistency and attention to detail
- Support the Head Chef in menu development, bringing creativity and seasonal awareness
- Lead, train, and motivate the kitchen team, fostering a positive and collaborative environment
- Take ownership of kitchen operations in the Head Chef’s absence
- Maintain exceptional standards of food safety, hygiene, and cleanliness
- Manage stock, ordering, and kitchen costs effectively
- Ensure smooth, efficient service through strong organisation and communication
- Uphold the standards expected of a luxury hospitality brand
- Proven experience in a similar Sous Chef or senior kitchen role is essential
- A confident leader and strong people person who can inspire and develop a team
- Committed to high standards, with a sharp eye for detail
- Calm under pressure with excellent organisational and time management skills
- Passionate about food, quality, and delivering memorable customer experiences
- Energetic, curious, and aligned with our values of Care, Togetherness, Energy, and Curiosity
- Professional, reliable, and takes pride in ownership of their role
- Act as an ambassador of Emma Bridgewater’s brand, values, and personality
- Undertake relevant training and development
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organised working environment
- Be flexible and support wider business needs when required
- GCSE standard education – Essential
- Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene – Essential
- NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery – Desirable
- NVQ Level 2 in Catering – Desirable
- Full-time, Permanent
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Sick pay
- Store discount
- Holiday Buy / Sell Scheme
- Pension Salary Sacrifice
- Work location: In person
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and play a key role in an evolving, purpose-driven luxury brand, we’d love to hear from you.
Sous Chef in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Only Chefs Ltd
As a certified B Corp, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values purpose alongside performance. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, providing ample opportunities for personal and professional growth within the luxury hospitality sector. With a commitment to employee well-being, we offer a range of benefits including a company pension, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive environment where your passion for food and excellence can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, attend local food events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Sous Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider doing a trial shift at the cafe or offering to create a dish for the team. This gives you a chance to showcase your talent and passion for food while getting a feel for the kitchen vibe.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the interview! Brush up on your knowledge of seasonal ingredients and menu trends. Be ready to discuss how you embody our values of Care, Togetherness, Energy, and Curiosity in your work.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply 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 our purpose-driven team.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share your experiences that highlight your passion for creating exceptional dishes and how you align with our values of Care, Togetherness, Energy, and Curiosity.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sous Chef role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in leadership and kitchen management. We want to see how you've contributed to a positive team environment and maintained high standards in your previous roles.
Be Specific:In your cover letter, be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Whether it’s menu development or team training, give us examples that demonstrate your skills and experience.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Only Chefs Ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the menu and the ingredients used in the dishes. Be ready to discuss how you would approach menu development, showcasing your creativity and seasonal awareness. This will demonstrate your passion for food and your alignment with the company's values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others, especially under pressure. This is crucial as the role requires strong leadership, so be sure to convey your people skills and how you foster a positive environment.
✨Emphasise Consistency and Quality
Discuss your approach to maintaining high standards in food safety, hygiene, and cleanliness. Share specific instances where you've ensured consistency in dish preparation and service, as this aligns with the luxury brand's expectations.
✨Align with Their Values
Make sure to express how your personal values resonate with those of the company—Care, Togetherness, Energy, and Curiosity. Prepare to share anecdotes that reflect these values in your work, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the company culture.
