At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and support menu development with creativity and passion.
- Company: Join Rarebreed Dining, a team committed to quality and exceptional dining experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, complimentary meals, extra holidays, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Live-in options available and exciting supplier trips await!
- Why this job: Be part of a close-knit team that values hard work and celebrates success.
- Qualifications: Experience in gourmet restaurants and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30150 - 36850 £ per year.
*** Live In Available ***
Our Ethos Work Hard. Be Nice. That’s our motto – and it’s the kind of team you’ll be joining.
Who we are: Since our first venue opened in 2015, Rarebreed Dining has been driven by an uncompromising commitment to quality, and an ambition to deliver experiences that go beyond our guests’ expectations – every single time. What began with a shared passion for exceptional steak, outstanding produce and expertly crafted cocktails has evolved into something much bigger, but our focus has never changed: doing things properly, and always raising the bar.
At the heart of everything we do are our people. We truly believe that creating the right culture – one that inspires, supports, and challenges our teams – is fundamental to our success. By investing in our people, we empower them to deliver unforgettable moments for every guest who walks through our doors.
The Role: We’re looking for a talented and passionate Sous Chef to join and support the Head Chef in leading the kitchen team. As well as your passion for cooking and all things food related, you are a creative and driven chef with an evolving interest in menu development. Over your years in the industry, you will have evolved into a chef that is hungry to learn & confident leading a team in the kitchen. By working closely with the Head Chef, you will help your team to navigate the pressure of the kitchen and ensure your team achieve their full potential.
A few key responsibilities of the role include:
- To maintain consistent quality and quantity control in all aspects, from portion control to freshness of the food presented.
- To demonstrate control over the stock rotation of food, wastage, CCP, and all health & safety elements of leading a kitchen.
- To support the Head Chef with the training and development of the team to ensure everyone is utilised to the best of their potential.
- To understand and comply with food hygiene regulations and HACCP, as well as COSHH trained.
- To represent the Head Chef and the business to the best of your ability when the Head Chef is away, resulting in a happy team, a well-controlled GP, and great trust between the guest and us.
You’ll bring: As you’d expect, we do have some expectations on the level of experience we require. We would hope that you:
- Have previous experience in a gourmet food restaurant, being creative and led by the produce to create a fresh food menu.
- Are passionate and enthusiastic about the industry and driven to progress.
- Have experience leading service ensuring consistency and quality in every dish that comes out of that kitchen.
- Have great communication skills and the ability to work well within a team.
You will report to the Head Chef and will work closely together to ensure the kitchen team are thriving and the menu offered reflects the demand and style of our guests. It is your menu and your vision which set the tone of the venue and as a result, we want to find the right balance of personality and experience.
Why join us? We take care of our team with a number of fantastic benefits, as well as just caring about you as an individual. Some of those benefits include:
- Share of tronc.
- Up to 50% off on food and 25% on drinks in our venues.
- Earn up to 5 extra days holiday per year.
- Complimentary food on shift.
- Access to cost price items from our suppliers via our staff website.
- Early access to pay earned via Hastee pay.
- Discounts across hundreds of gyms, cinemas, high street shops and more via our Hospitality Rewards programme.
- Employee Assistance Programme with Health Heroes.
- Refer a friend for work reward programme.
- On shift incentives and voucher rewards.
- Supplier days out & trips abroad.
- Development opportunities including training & qualifications.
- Staff parties.
We’re a close-knit, ambitious team who believe in doing things properly and celebrating along the way. If that sounds like your kind of place – hit apply!
Venue: The Shurlock Inn
Salary: Starting from £40,000
Sous Chef in Reading employer: Rarebreed Dining Limited
At Rarebreed Dining, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture where hard work and kindness are at the forefront. As a Kitchen Porter at The Waverley Inn, you'll enjoy a range of benefits including generous discounts, opportunities for career development, and a vibrant team environment that encourages personal growth and creativity. Join us in delivering exceptional dining experiences while being part of a company that truly values its people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Reading
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Rarebreed Dining Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Rarebreed Dining Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Rarebreed Dining Limited directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Rarebreed Dining Limited and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rarebreed Dining Limited
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!