Sous Chef - Cleaver & Wake in Derby

Sous Chef - Cleaver & Wake in Derby

Derby Full-Time 32000 - 38000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Rhubarb Hospitality Collection

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, creating exceptional dishes and unforgettable dining experiences.
  • Company: Join Oak View Group, a leader in revolutionising live events and hospitality.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private healthcare, gym discounts, and ongoing career development.
  • Other info: Diversity is key; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
  • Why this job: Be part of Nottingham's iconic dining scene and showcase your culinary creativity.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef in fine dining.

The predicted salary is between 32000 - 38000 £ per year.

Oak View Group is reinventing the way the world comes together. Driven by a passion to revolutionise the live events industry with dynamic thinking and an unshakeable dedication to those we serve, OVG turns up the volume on what makes life extraordinary. From inspired development to curated hospitality, from brand innovation to premium for all, OVG is setting new standards and redefining expectations for everyone.

About the Venue: The Island Quarter has already become an iconic canal-side destination for Nottingham, boasting three storeys of restaurants, bars, and events space. From casual all-day dining, drinks and entertainment at Binks Yard with its expansive outdoor terrace, stage and screen built for live performances and sports screening, to refined dining at the Cleaver & Wake restaurant and bar using the very best ingredients from across the British Isles, this multi-purpose venue is truly one of a kind. The Island Quarter is managed by Rhubarb, part of Oak View Group.

Role Purpose: Where creativity meets precision. Where ambition becomes craft. Cleaver & Wake is Nottingham's landmark dining destination - a celebration of modern British cooking, exceptional produce, and the artistry of a kitchen that thrives on excellence. As part of Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, we deliver unforgettable experiences through bold flavours, refined technique, and a relentless commitment to quality. We are now looking for a Sous Chef who brings energy, leadership, and a passion for beautiful food to join our award-winning brigade.

What you'll be doing:

  • Supporting the Head Chef in the day-to-day leadership of the kitchen, ensuring exceptional standards across prep, service and presentation.
  • Running services with confidence, maintaining consistency, precision and pace in a high-performing fine-dining environment.
  • Leading, coaching and developing junior chefs, fostering a positive, collaborative and growth-focused kitchen culture.
  • Contributing to menu development, bringing creativity, seasonality and innovation to each dish.
  • Ensuring full compliance with food safety, hygiene and kitchen management standards.
  • Working closely with the wider team to deliver a seamless, memorable guest experience.

What we're looking for:

  • Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef within a fine-dining or premium restaurant setting.
  • A passion for exceptional food, modern techniques and high-quality ingredients.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, mentor and support a brigade.
  • Excellent organisational skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-standards kitchen.
  • A calm, positive and solutions-focused approach to service.
  • Commitment to maintaining the highest levels of food safety and kitchen hygiene.

Good to know: Please note, this role is only open to candidates located in and with the right to work in the UK. Salary is £32,000 + TRONC (OTE £38k) Excellent benefits including private healthcare, corporate gym discount, F&B discount, multiple training and development programmes, cross exposure to our growing portfolio of venues, restaurants and events in the UK and beyond, ongoing career progression and more!

Our Inclusion Commitments: OVG is for everyone. Diversity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Wherever you come from, wherever you are going, we'd love to hear from you. If you need any additional support or adjustments with your application, let us know and we will work with you to ensure you have everything you need.

Employee Screening and Eligibility to Work: If successful in your application, you will be required to provide eligibility to work evidence in line with the Eligibility to Work in the UK requirements. All candidates will receive a response.

Sous Chef - Cleaver & Wake in Derby employer: Rhubarb Hospitality Collection

At Oak View Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions creativity and collaboration. As a Sous Chef at Cleaver & Wake, you'll not only enjoy competitive pay and excellent benefits, including private healthcare and ongoing training opportunities, but also be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering unforgettable dining experiences in Nottingham's iconic canal-side venue. Join us to grow your culinary skills in a supportive environment that values innovation and excellence.
Rhubarb Hospitality Collection

Contact Detail:

Rhubarb Hospitality Collection Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - Cleaver & Wake in Derby

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the venue! Before your interview, check out Cleaver & Wake and The Island Quarter. Familiarise yourself with their menu and vibe. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to bring your A-game.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. It’s a great way to get insider info and make a good impression.

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your skills! If you can, bring a dish or two that showcases your culinary style to the interview. It’s a tasty way to demonstrate your passion for food and creativity in the kitchen.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Cleaver & Wake.

We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef - Cleaver & Wake in Derby

Leadership Skills
Mentoring
Organisational Skills
Creativity
Menu Development
Food Safety Compliance
Hygiene Standards
High-Pressure Service Management
Collaboration
Fine-Dining Experience
Problem-Solving
Attention to Detail
Passion for Food

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about modern British cooking. We want to see that energy and creativity in your words.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've motivated and developed others in the kitchen. We’re looking for someone who can inspire their brigade!

Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Mention specific techniques you've mastered or dishes you've created. This helps us understand your culinary journey and how you fit into our fine-dining environment.

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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own channels!

How to prepare for a job interview at Rhubarb Hospitality Collection

✨Know Your Ingredients

Familiarise yourself with the best ingredients from across the British Isles, as this is key to the role. Be ready to discuss your favourite seasonal produce and how you would incorporate them into dishes at Cleaver & Wake.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare examples of how you've led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate and mentor junior chefs, as well as how you foster a positive kitchen culture. This will demonstrate that you can support the Head Chef effectively.

✨Demonstrate Your Creativity

Think about innovative dishes or menu ideas you could bring to the table. During the interview, share your thoughts on modern techniques and how you would contribute to menu development at Cleaver & Wake.

✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge

Be prepared to discuss your understanding of food safety and hygiene standards. Show that you are committed to maintaining high levels of kitchen management, which is crucial for a fine-dining environment.

Sous Chef - Cleaver & Wake in Derby
Rhubarb Hospitality Collection
Location: Derby

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