At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create stunning dishes in a fine-dining environment.
- Company: Join Oak View Group, revolutionising live events and hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, gym discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Be part of an award-winning brigade 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.
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 employer: Rhubarb Hospitality Collection
Oak View Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and excellence in the culinary arts. As a Sous Chef at Cleaver & Wake, you will thrive in a dynamic environment that prioritises employee growth through comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for career progression within our expanding portfolio of venues. With competitive benefits including private healthcare and discounts, alongside a commitment to diversity and inclusion, OVG is dedicated to fostering a supportive workplace where your passion for food can flourish.
Contact Details:
Rhubarb Hospitality Collection Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, check out The Island Quarter and its vibe. Familiarise yourself with their menu and the kind of dining experience they offer. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to bring your A-game.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When discussing your experience, highlight specific dishes or techniques you've developed. Share how you can contribute to menu innovation at Cleaver & Wake. We love a chef who thinks outside the box!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk leadership! As a Sous Chef, you’ll be guiding a team. Share examples of how you’ve motivated and mentored junior chefs in the past. We want to see that you can foster a positive kitchen culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your passion for the role right from the start. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're 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 junior chefs in the past. We’re all about fostering a positive kitchen culture!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just say you’ve worked in fine-dining; give us the details! Mention the types of cuisines you've worked with, any menu development you've contributed to, and how you maintain high standards in a fast-paced environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to get your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rhubarb Hospitality Collection
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the best local produce and seasonal ingredients. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate these into your dishes at Cleaver & Wake, showcasing your creativity and passion for exceptional food.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to mentor junior chefs and foster a positive kitchen culture, as this is crucial for the Sous Chef role.
✨Master the Menu Development
Think about innovative ideas for menu items that reflect modern British cooking. Be prepared to share your thoughts on how you can contribute to menu development and bring fresh, bold flavours to the table.
✨Emphasise Food Safety and Hygiene
Brush up on food safety regulations and kitchen hygiene standards. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in a high-performing kitchen, as this will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining exceptional standards.
