At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head Chef in creating delicious, seasonal dishes and leading a vibrant kitchen team.
- Company: Join Restaurant Associates at RHS Garden Wisley, a leader in premium hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, 20 days annual leave, and access to exclusive perks and training.
- Why this job: Work in stunning gardens, foster creativity, and make a real impact on guest experiences.
- Qualifications: 3+ years as a Chef de Partie, strong cooking skills, and knowledge of food safety.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse, fun team committed to sustainability and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 33000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £33,000 per annum
Location: RHS Garden Wisley
Contract Type: Full-time, permanent, site based, 5 over 7 days per week
Set within 240 acres of stunning gardens, Wisley is open all year round and offers a variety of food outlets, from a busy restaurant to welcoming cafés. You will be joining a friendly, hardworking team with a shared goal: delivering exceptional service to every visitor.
A Junior Sous Chef at Wisley will support the Head Chef in ensuring all dishes consistently meet RA Venues' standards for quality, flavour, presentation, and sustainability. You will assist with seasonal menus, specials, and new dish launches, respond to guest feedback and allergen queries, and help maintain high visual and brand standards across counters, displays, and food offerings.
Operational responsibilities include:
- Portion control
- Recipe adherence
- Efficient mise en place
- Stock management
- Minimising waste
- Ensuring full compliance with the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) and all health, hygiene, and safety regulations
You will also supervise and support the kitchen team during prep, service, and close-down, assisting with training commis chefs and CDPs to consistently meet standards. This role involves fostering a positive, collaborative, and respectful kitchen culture, supporting onboarding of new team members, and encouraging personal development, ensuring the team is motivated, confident, and equipped to deliver an exceptional experience for every guest.
The Ideal Candidate:
- 3+ years' experience as a Chef de Partie or Senior Chef de Partie in a high-volume, quality-led kitchen
- Strong cooking skills with an understanding of seasonality
- Knowledge of food safety, health & safety, and allergen management
- Experience supervising a kitchen team
- Able to complete food safety records accurately
- Experience in contract catering or visitor-attraction venues
- Level 2 or 3 food safety qualification
- Interest in bakery, deli, or counter-style service
What can we offer you:
- A collaborative and inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued, and creativity is encouraged.
- The chance to work in a truly beautiful and inspiring setting, surrounded by nature and stunning gardens.
- 20 days annual leave (Excluding bank holidays and national holiday days)
- Free parking on site
- Free staff meals whilst at work.
- Access to Compass Group company perks & benefits.
- Perks for Works discounts and promotions
- Access to training, mentoring and development, with support from our wider Restaurant Associates and Compass Group UK networks.
- On-site F&B discounts.
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. You can find a full list of our venues on our website.
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, diverse, fun, and dynamic place to work with opportunities to collaborate with a wide range of teams plus a commitment to putting our people first. Restaurant Associates is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. As a business, we are committed to sustainability led practices and are proud to have achieved 3 stars with the Sustainable Restaurant Association's Food Made Good Programme.
Junior Sous Chef - RHS Garden Wisley in Guildford employer: RA Venues
Contact Detail:
RA Venues Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef - RHS Garden Wisley in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, take a stroll around RHS Garden Wisley. Familiarise yourself with the different food outlets and the vibe of the place. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their unique environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring along a portfolio or a few photos of your best dishes. This is a great way to visually demonstrate your cooking skills and creativity. Plus, it gives you something tangible to discuss during your interview, making you more memorable.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application process. This insider knowledge can give you an edge and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from our site. It shows initiative and enthusiasm. Plus, you’ll get all the latest updates on the role and any other opportunities that might pop up. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef - RHS Garden Wisley in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your cooking skills and experience. We want to see how your background as a Chef de Partie or Senior Chef de Partie makes you the perfect fit for our Junior Sous Chef role.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application! We value creativity and a collaborative spirit, so don’t be afraid to share what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our friendly kitchen culture.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role at RHS Garden Wisley. Mention your understanding of seasonality and any relevant experience in high-volume kitchens to show us you’re the right match for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our beautiful garden setting!
How to prepare for a job interview at RA Venues
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with seasonal ingredients and how they can be used in dishes. Be ready to discuss your favourite seasonal recipes and how you would incorporate them into the menu at RHS Garden Wisley.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Junior Sous Chef, you'll be supervising a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past, focusing on training and motivating others to meet high standards.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on food safety, health, and hygiene regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your current or previous roles, as this is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of the food served.
✨Bring Your Creativity
Think about innovative dish ideas or specials you could propose. During the interview, share your passion for creativity in the kitchen and how you can contribute to the restaurant's unique offerings.