At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, oversee operations, and create delicious seasonal dishes.
- Company: Ottolenghi, known for vibrant food and a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, staff meals, health support, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy exclusive workshops and a warm, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Join a creative environment where your culinary ideas are celebrated.
- Qualifications: 2+ years as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a fast-paced kitchen.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Ottolenghi, we’re known for vibrant food, busy delis, and restaurants full of energy—but what really matters is our people. We create environments where teams feel supported, take pride in what they do, and deliver a genuinely warm experience to every guest. Ottolenghi Bicester Village brings our signature flavours and warm hospitality to one of the UK's most celebrated retail destinations. It's a unique and exciting location that welcomes guests from across the country and beyond.
What you’ll do:
- Support the Head Chef in leading the kitchen team and setting the tone for a supportive, high-performance culture.
- Oversee sections and support daily kitchen operations to ensure consistency and excellence in food quality and presentation.
- Work closely with the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen on new menu ideas and seasonal development.
- Uphold food hygiene and safety standards, ensuring a clean and well-organised kitchen at all times.
- Help manage stock control, ordering, and food costs efficiently and sustainably.
- Assist in rota planning and labour management to meet operational and financial goals.
- Take an active role in mentoring and training junior chefs, sharing knowledge and building confidence.
- Collaborate closely with the General Manager and front-of-house team to deliver a seamless and memorable guest experience.
What we’re looking for:
- Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a high-quality, fast-paced kitchen, minimum of 2 years.
- Someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and genuinely enjoys developing others.
- A passion for fresh, seasonal cooking and the creativity to bring something special to the pass.
- A calm, hands-on approach and the ability to lead by example.
- A genuine pride in maintaining high standards and a positive kitchen culture.
Key skills:
- Strong knowledge of culinary techniques and a deep understanding of flavour and seasonality.
- Excellent people management and communication skills.
- Confident managing stock, food costs, and kitchen administration.
- Calm under pressure with a solutions-focused mindset.
- Well-organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Comfortable using relevant kitchen management and IT systems.
- A genuine passion for food, people, and continuous improvement.
What’s in it for you?
- 30 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays.
- Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount.
- Health and well-being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts.
- Refer a Friend Bonus: £500 for each successful referral.
- Learning & Development opportunities including management coaching, WSET wine training, Ottolenghi Chef’s Academy workshops, and access to external courses.
- A warm, inclusive working culture where individuality, growth, and creativity are celebrated.
- Enhanced Parental Pay after two years’ service.
- A special birthday treat to celebrate your day.
- Exclusive workshops and demos, including cooking, food, wine, and cocktail sessions in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen.
- A collaborative and creative environment where your ideas are valued.
If you care about great food, great people, and doing things properly, we'd love to hear from you.
Sous Chef in Bicester employer: Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen
At Ottolenghi, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values creativity and collaboration. As a Sous Chef at our Bicester Village location, you'll enjoy generous benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, delicious staff meals, and extensive learning opportunities, all while being part of a team that is passionate about delivering exceptional culinary experiences. Join us in a unique setting that not only celebrates individuality but also supports your professional growth in the heart of one of the UK's most celebrated retail destinations.
Contact Details:
Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Bicester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Ottolenghi and its culture. Understanding their values will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their vibrant kitchen.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish or two that showcases your culinary creativity. This is a great way to demonstrate your passion for fresh, seasonal cooking and give them a taste of what you can bring to the pass.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since they value collaboration, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or mentored junior chefs. This will highlight your ability to thrive in a supportive kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Ottolenghi family and ready to contribute to their warm hospitality and high standards.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Bicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for fresh, seasonal cooking shine through. Share any unique culinary experiences or dishes you've created that reflect your creativity and passion for food.
Highlight Your Team Spirit:We value collaboration, so make sure to mention any experiences where you've worked closely with a team. Talk about how you’ve supported others in the kitchen and contributed to a positive working environment.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just say you have experience; give us the details! Mention specific roles, responsibilities, and achievements from your time as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie that demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our vibrant team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen
✨Know Your Flavours
Make sure you brush up on your culinary techniques and flavour profiles before the interview. Be ready to discuss your favourite seasonal ingredients and how you would incorporate them into a menu. This shows your passion for fresh cooking and creativity!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves mentoring junior chefs, think of examples where you've successfully led a team or trained others. Share specific stories that highlight your calm, hands-on approach and how you foster a positive kitchen culture.
✨Be Prepared for Practical Questions
Expect questions about stock management, food costs, and kitchen administration. Brush up on your knowledge in these areas and be ready to discuss how you’ve handled these responsibilities in past roles. It’s all about showing you can keep things running smoothly!
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Ottolenghi values teamwork, so be prepared to talk about how you work with front-of-house teams and other kitchen staff. Share examples of how you’ve collaborated to create memorable guest experiences, as this will resonate well with their ethos.
