At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, manage daily operations, and create delicious seasonal menus.
- Company: The Conningbrook Hotel, a charming venue blending tradition with modern hospitality.
- Benefits: Flexible work-life balance, access to wages as you earn, and discounts on food and accommodation.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant community hub and make a real impact in a supportive kitchen environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong CDP ready to step up, with a passion for quality food.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and recognition in a thriving hospitality setting.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
Why work for us?
- Work/Life Balance: A genuine belief in work/life balance and an understanding of working together to promote flexibility.
- Tips: A Tronc scheme with 100% of gratuities distributed to our teams every week via TipJar.
- Financial Support: Access wages as you earn them through Wagestream.
- Development: Inspirational career development programmes.
- Recognition: Dedicated reward and recognition platform.
- Discounts: Food and accommodation discounts nationwide.
- Personal support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
We’re looking for a talented and motivated Sous Chef to join our kitchen team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled chef who’s ready to take on a leadership role, support the Head Chef, and help shape a kitchen known for consistency, creativity, and teamwork. If you want ownership, influence, and a role that respects your craft, you’re in the right place.
Nestled in the village of Kennington, just outside Ashford, The Conningbrook Hotel is a fabulous hotel with 29 bedrooms, that seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern amenities. As part of our Neighbourhood syndicate, it offers guests a comfortable and friendly atmosphere, featuring well-appointed hotel rooms and convenient access to local attractions.
Food excellence is at the heart of The Conningbrook Hotel's offerings. The restaurant serves fabulous food, where guests can enjoy hearty British classics, including a traditional Sunday carvery, as well as a selection of lighter options and children's meals. The restaurant's garden and playground area provide a family-friendly dining experience.
The Conningbrook Hotel is well loved by locals and is a vibrant community hub, hosting regular events. For hospitality professionals seeking to join a dedicated team in a thriving environment, The Conningbrook Hotel offers an excellent opportunity to be part of a venue that values tradition, quality, and outstanding guest experiences.
The job in a nutshell:
- Work alongside the Head Chef to manage daily kitchen operations.
- Lead and motivate the brigade, ensuring smooth and efficient service.
- Maintain high standards of food presentation, consistency, and hygiene.
- Contribute to menu development using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Train junior staff and uphold a culture of respect, safety, and excellence.
- Manage ordering, stock control, and kitchen admin when required.
What We Are Looking For:
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong CDP ready to step up.
- Confident with all sections of the kitchen and leading service.
- Passion for quality, detail, and seasonal food.
- Strong organisational and communication skills.
- Ability to thrive under pressure and maintain a positive team environment.
- Knowledge of food safety standards and compliance.
Ready to work in a kitchen that runs on trust and talent? Apply now and let's talk about where your leadership could take you next.
Sous Chef in Ashford employer: RedCat Independent Pubs
Contact Detail:
RedCat Independent Pubs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs and industry contacts. Attend local culinary events or workshops to meet people who might know about openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨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 the crowd 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 hotels you admire, like The Conningbrook Hotel. Express your interest in joining their team and share why you’d be a great fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios you might face in a kitchen setting. Think about how you would handle pressure, lead a team, or develop a new menu. Confidence is key, so let your passion for food shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and quality ingredients shine through. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or experiences that highlight your culinary skills and creativity.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Sous Chef role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in leading a kitchen team and managing operations, to show us you're the perfect fit for our vibrant environment.
Be Authentic: We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to express your personality in your application. Share your journey in the culinary world and what drives you to excel in a kitchen setting.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of joining our team, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and start the conversation about your future with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at RedCat Independent Pubs
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with seasonal ingredients and how they can elevate dishes. Be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you’ve used them creatively in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led a kitchen team or trained junior staff. Highlight your ability to motivate others and maintain a positive environment, as this is crucial for the Sous Chef role.
✨Understand the Venue's Vibe
Research The Conningbrook Hotel and its menu offerings. Be prepared to share ideas on how you could contribute to their food excellence and enhance the guest experience.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills under pressure. Think about past challenges in the kitchen and how you overcame them, showcasing your organisational skills.