At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious dishes and lead a vibrant kitchen team.
- Company: Join the award-winning Heartwood Collection, known for its cosy pubs and brasseries.
- Benefits: Earn up to £16.50 per hour, enjoy discounts, and access training programmes.
- Other info: Exciting expansion plans with over 40 locations and counting!
- Why this job: Be part of a growing community with real opportunities for career progression.
- Qualifications: 4-5 years experience in a kitchen and advanced knife skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27840 - 34560 £ per year.
At Heartwood Collection, we’re on the lookout for passionate and vibrant individuals to join our kitchen team as a Junior Sous Chef. We’re an award-winning group of cosy pubs and atmospheric brasseries that truly feel like home. From the elegance of Brasserie Blanc to the charm of Heartwood Inns, we pride ourselves on serving fresh, seasonal dishes to our local communities.
What we offer:
- Package and hourly rate includes basic + TRONC*
- Contract average of 48 hours
- Bespoke training and development through our Stepping Stones programme
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program with Hospitality Action
- Instant pay access through EarlyPay
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave
- Up to £1,500 Referral Bonus
- 50% off food at any Heartwood Inns or Brasserie Blanc, plus a 20% discount for family and friends
- A birthday gift and Long Service Recognition
- Discounts on hundreds of retailers and experiences via Reward Gateway
- Cycle to Work Scheme
About You:
- Have a passion and proven track record in delivering service, great quality, fresh food and training to chefs
- Able to work multiple sections as part of the kitchen team, follow recipes and demonstrate this to other chefs
- 4-5 years experience or progression in a service setting with advanced knife skills and working with classical cooking techniques
Heartwood Collection is a multi-award-winning hospitality group, Sunday Times Best Places to Work winner 2024, Double winner at the Publican Awards 2024 Best Pub Brand/Concept at the Publican Awards 2025. At Heartwood Collection, we’re excited about the future. With over 40 locations now and plans to expand to more than 60 by 2027, including over 500 bedrooms, there’s never been a better time to join us. We’re committed to growing our team with progression opportunities across our estate. Join us and be part of a community that’s warm, genuine, and full of life.
*On Target Earnings is based on a 48-hour working week, TRONC is calculated from the expected 6 months' site average.
Junior Sous Chef employer: Potter's Heron
At Heartwood Collection, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values passion and creativity in the kitchen. With bespoke training through our Stepping Stones programme and numerous employee benefits, including discounts at our venues and a supportive community, we are dedicated to fostering growth and development for our team members. Join us in a dynamic environment where your culinary skills can flourish as we expand our award-winning hospitality group across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Heartwood Collection vibe! Visit our pubs and brasseries, soak in the atmosphere, and chat with the staff. This will give you a feel for our culture and help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! Bring a portfolio of your best dishes or even a video showcasing your cooking techniques. We love seeing passion and creativity in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on social media or at events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions and scenarios related to kitchen teamwork and service. We want to see how you handle pressure and collaborate with others in a busy environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for cooking and the culinary arts shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you’re genuinely excited about joining our kitchen team and contributing to our vibrant atmosphere.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience, especially in delivering quality food and training others. We’re looking for someone with a solid background, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills and achievements in the kitchen!
Be Authentic:We appreciate authenticity! When you write your cover letter, be yourself and share why you want to work with us at Heartwood Collection. A personal touch can make all the difference and help us get to know the real you.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can start the process of welcoming you to our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Potter's Heron
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of fresh, seasonal ingredients and classical cooking techniques. Be ready to discuss how you’ve used these in your previous roles, as it shows your passion for quality food.
✨Show Off Your Knife Skills
Since advanced knife skills are a must for this role, be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency. If asked about your experience, share specific examples of how you've trained others or improved kitchen efficiency with your skills.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Heartwood Collection values a collaborative kitchen environment. Share stories that highlight your ability to work well with others, whether it's training junior chefs or managing multiple sections during busy service.
✨Ask About Growth Opportunities
With Heartwood's commitment to progression, don’t hesitate to ask about training and development opportunities during your interview. This shows your enthusiasm for growing within the company and aligns with their vision for the future.
