At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring top-notch food quality and a supportive culture.
- Company: Join Ottolenghi, known for vibrant food and warm hospitality in a dynamic environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, delicious meals, health support, and a generous staff discount.
- Other info: Mentor junior chefs and collaborate for a memorable guest experience.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that values fresh cooking and personal development.
- 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.
Sous Chef employer: Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen
At Ottolenghi, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and supportive work environment where our team members can thrive. Located in the bustling Bicester Village, our Sous Chef role offers not only competitive benefits like 30 days of annual leave and health support but also unique opportunities for personal and professional growth through mentorship and collaboration with a passionate kitchen team. Join us to be part of a culinary journey that values creativity, excellence, and a genuine love for food.
Contact Detail:
Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, attend culinary events, and connect with people in the industry. 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 doing a trial shift at Ottolenghi or similar places. It’s a great way to demonstrate your culinary prowess and fit within the team while getting a feel for the kitchen vibe.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to restaurants you admire. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way in landing that dream sous chef position.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and improving! Stay updated on culinary trends and techniques. Share your passion for food and creativity during interviews, and let them know how you can contribute to their vibrant kitchen culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When 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.
Highlight Your Team Spirit:We value collaboration, so make sure to mention your experience working in a team. Talk about how you've supported others in the kitchen and contributed to a positive work environment.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Detail your previous roles as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie. Include specific examples of how you've managed kitchen operations, upheld hygiene standards, and mentored junior chefs.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your enthusiasm and fit for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen
✨Know Your Flavours
Make sure you brush up on Ottolenghi's signature flavours and seasonal ingredients. Being able to discuss how you can incorporate these into new menu ideas will show your passion for fresh cooking and creativity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your experience in mentoring junior chefs and creating a positive kitchen culture, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about managing stock control and food costs. Think of specific instances where you’ve efficiently handled these aspects in previous roles, as it demonstrates your organisational skills and attention to detail.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent communication is key in a busy kitchen, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with front-of-house teams to ensure a seamless guest experience.
