At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head Chef in delivering high-quality food and excellent service.
- Company: Join Serco Leisure, promoting active lifestyles in a friendly community environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy free gym membership, reduced meals, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career growth and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact while developing your culinary skills in a dynamic kitchen.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and a passion for food safety.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Permanent, Full-Time (39 hours p/w - working 5 days out of 7. Shifts typically include 06:00-14:00, 07:00-15:00, 11:30-20:00 and 13:00-21:00. Weekend working is required to support functions and events).
£30,000 per annum + excellent benefits.
Make a positive difference every day. We're pleased to be recruiting on behalf of Serco Leisure Operating Ltd (Sport England) where we encourage active, healthy lifestyles across the local community. Providing affordable access to a wide range of sports and leisure facilities in a safe, clean, friendly and welcoming space, their goal is to support healthier and happier lives for everyone.
Delivering these services relies on an enthusiastic, customer-focused team, and they're now looking for a Junior Sous Chef to join their team and help make a positive difference every day.
As Junior Sous Chef, you'll support the Head Chef in leading a busy kitchen operation, helping to deliver high-quality food and excellent service for guests, athletes, conferences, weddings and events. Your work will have purpose, creating positive experiences for visitors while supporting a culture of care, pride and continuous improvement. This is an opportunity to develop your career, support colleague growth and create a positive impact in an environment where our work touches lives every day.
What you’ll do as a Junior Sous Chef:
- Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation and service.
- Prepare, cook and present dishes in line with recipes, specifications and company standards.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and health and safety requirements, including temperature monitoring and safe food storage.
- Supervise, coach and develop kitchen colleagues, helping to build a positive and high-performing team environment.
- Support the successful delivery of daily catering operations, functions, weddings and special events.
Does this sound like you?
- Previous experience working within a professional kitchen environment.
- Food safety qualification or willingness to obtain one.
- Confident supervising and supporting colleagues in a busy kitchen operation.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and maintain standards under pressure.
- A flexible approach to working hours, including evenings and weekends when required.
What we offer:
- Free gym membership.
- Chef uniform provided.
- Reduced-price colleague meals.
- Access to a wide range of employee benefits and discounts.
- Training and development opportunities to support your growth.
- Pension scheme.
- Annual leave entitlement.
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.
Vetting and checks:
As well as checking eligibility to work in the UK, you will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire to help us identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.
Ready to make a difference? Apply today.
Serco Leisure is one of the UK's leading national operators of leisure centres, destination venues and elite sporting facilities, managing sites, services and recruitment on behalf of the Leisure Trust.
Our inclusive recruitment commitment: We prioritise your skills and potential, and champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.
Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions). Please note, for many of our roles, a DBS check will be required.
For support with your application, please contact.
Ready to make a difference? Apply today.
Junior Chef employer: Serco Plc
As an HGV Driver with us in Stowmarket, you will join a supportive and dynamic team that values your contributions and prioritises your well-being. We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a work-life balance that allows you to thrive both personally and professionally. With opportunities for growth and development, you can build a rewarding career in a company that truly cares about its employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Chef
✨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 Serco Plc. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Serco Plc
Don't be shy about reaching out to Serco Plc 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 Junior Chef
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 Serco Plc 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 Serco Plc
✨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!
