At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create delicious dishes for visitors at Twycross Zoo.
- Company: Join Restaurant Associates, a top hospitality provider in iconic UK attractions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20 days holiday, free meals, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and a supportive culture await you!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant environment while showcasing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: 5 years of kitchen experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: Twycross Zoo
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent, 37.5 hours per week, 5 days out of 7
Shifts: ranging from 7:30am - 6:00pm, with flexibility for events
Are you an experienced Sous Chef looking for an exciting opportunity to work in a busy, multi-site visitor attraction? RA Venues is seeking a hands-on, proactive Sous Chef to support food production and service across a combination of visitor retail outlets and events at Twycross Zoo. This is a fantastic role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys variety in their work.
What We Offer:
- 20 days holiday + bank holidays (pro rata)
- Free staff parking
- Free staff meals whilst working on site
- Compass reward scheme
- A supportive, values-driven culture within cohesive teams
- Opportunities for growth and development within a national business
- A chance to make a meaningful impact in a continuously growing sector
About the Role:
As Sous Chef at Twycross Zoo, you will support the Head Chef in overseeing kitchen operations across the attraction's multiple food outlets and events. You will lead the kitchen team, ensuring high-quality food production, excellent service, and adherence to all health, safety, and food hygiene standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Food Production & Service: Prepare, cook, and assist in serving high-quality dishes across multiple retail and catering sites
- Health & Safety & Food Safety: Maintain compliance with all food hygiene, allergen, and health & safety standards
- Team Leadership: Lead and motivate a kitchen team, including rota management and on-the-job training
- Stock & Ordering: Manage ordering, deliveries, and stock control to ensure efficient operations
- Food Management Systems: Support accurate recording and reporting using food management software and processes
- Event Support: Deliver catering for events across the site, maintaining high standards under pressure
The Ideal Candidate:
- Minimum 5 years' experience in a busy, multi-function kitchen
- Proven experience managing a small team and overseeing kitchen operations
- Strong knowledge of food safety, allergens, and health & safety legislation
- Experience with food management systems and stock control
- Excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills
- Adaptable, proactive, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
- Passionate about food, hospitality, and delivering excellent visitor experiences
About Us:
Restaurant Associates is a leading premium hospitality provider with an ethos drawn from our history of fine and high-quality dining in London and New York. Within our venues team, we provide catering and hospitality services to some of the most iconic visitor attractions and destinations in the UK including the Imperial War Museum London, Glyndebourne Opera House, Knebworth House, Design Museum, Whipsnade Zoo and many more. Within these amazing venues we operate a host of bespoke cafés and restaurants, as well as delivering private events ranging from small meetings to large-scale ground events of up to 1000 people.
Sous Chef in Atherstone employer: RA Venues
At Hinxton Hall Conference Centre, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment where every team member's ideas are valued and creativity is encouraged. With competitive pay, generous annual leave, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, we ensure that our Front of House/Hospitality Assistants thrive in a supportive atmosphere that prioritises employee well-being and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Atherstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Sous Chef role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This can really set you apart from other candidates and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants or venues you admire, like Twycross Zoo, and express your interest in working with them. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities listed there, so keep checking back for new roles that match your skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Atherstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food and hospitality shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your culinary skills and how you’ve contributed to a team in a busy kitchen.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sous Chef role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in managing teams and ensuring food safety standards. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially in a fast-paced environment like ours.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Twycross Zoo.
How to prepare for a job interview at RA Venues
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary knowledge, especially regarding food safety and allergen compliance. Be ready to discuss how you ensure high standards in food production and service, as this will show your expertise and commitment to quality.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your experience in training staff and managing rotas, as well as how you motivate your team during busy periods. This will demonstrate that you're not just a great cook but also a capable leader.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific situations, like managing stock control or dealing with a last-minute event. Think through your past experiences and be prepared to share how you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Passion for Hospitality
Let your enthusiasm for food and hospitality shine through. Share why you love working in a fast-paced environment and how you strive to create excellent visitor experiences. This passion can set you apart from other candidates and show that you're a great fit for the role.
