At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head Chef, lead kitchen sections, and ensure top-quality dishes.
- Company: Join Shepherd Neame, Britain's oldest brewer with a rich culinary heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, tips, discounts, flexible hours, and career development.
- Why this job: Step up your culinary game in a vibrant kitchen with local produce.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, leadership skills, and attention to detail.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values tradition and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
At Shepherd Neame, we know that great food is at the heart of a memorable experience. As a Junior Sous Chef, you will play a key role in supporting the Head Chef and Sous Chef, leading sections of the kitchen, and ensuring dishes are prepared to the highest standard. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious chef looking to take the next step.
Located in Bearstead, near Maidstone, the Oak on the Green sits on one of the prettiest village greens in England. Today, the Oak on the Green is renowned for using largely local produce throughout the extensive food menu offering both British and Mexican cuisine.
What You’ll Do
- Assist the Head Chef and Sous Chef in managing daily kitchen operations.
- Take responsibility for your section, ensuring quality and consistency in every dish.
- Support and mentor junior team members, helping them develop their skills.
- Maintain high standards of hygiene, safety, and compliance at all times.
- Contribute ideas for menu development and improvements.
- Help with stock control, ordering, and kitchen organisation.
What’s In It For You?
- Competitive hourly pay plus a share of tips
- Early wage withdrawal scheme
- 25% discount on food and drink at Shepherd Neame Managed Houses
- 25% discount on overnight stays at Managed House Hotels
- Up to 40% off select purchases from our Visitor Centre Shop in Faversham
- Exclusive discounts via Sheps Hut on hundreds of high street brands
- Access to a Workplace Mental Health Platform
- Company pension plan
- Career development opportunities across our pubs, Brewery, and Support Office
- Flexible working hours to suit your lifestyle
What You’ll Need
- Pride in your work – you care about quality and presentation.
- Leadership mindset – you take ownership and guide others positively.
- Positive energy – you bring enthusiasm and a passion for food.
- Attention to detail – you ensure consistency and high standards.
- Adaptability – you stay calm and proactive when things get busy.
- Team spirit – you enjoy working collaboratively and supporting colleagues.
Why Shepherd Neame?
Our culture is built on Sheps Spirit, Working Together, Pride and Passion, and Authenticity—values that have guided us for over 300 years. When you join us, you become part of a team that celebrates tradition while shaping the future.
Ready to bring your personality and passion to the kitchen? Apply today and become part of our story!
Junior Sous Chef in Maidstone employer: Shepherd Neame Ltd
Contact Detail:
Shepherd Neame Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen vibe! Before your interview, pop by the Oak on the Green for a meal or a drink. This way, you can soak up the atmosphere and even chat with staff about their experiences. It shows you're genuinely interested and helps you connect with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish you've created to the interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for food and your attention to detail. Plus, who doesn’t love a tasty treat?
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk teamwork! As a Junior Sous Chef, you'll be leading sections and mentoring others. Prepare examples of how you've supported your colleagues in the past. This will highlight your leadership mindset and team spirit.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your enthusiasm by asking about menu development or how they maintain high standards in the kitchen. This not only demonstrates your interest but also gives you insight into the role and the company culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your culinary experiences and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that enthusiasm for food and how it drives you.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Junior Sous Chef, you'll be guiding others, so make sure to mention any leadership roles you've had. Whether it's mentoring junior chefs or taking charge of a section, we want to know how you can lead with positivity and confidence.
Be Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is key in our kitchen. In your application, give examples of how you've maintained high standards in your previous roles. This could be about presentation, hygiene, or consistency in dishes—show us you care!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shepherd Neame Ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the local produce and ingredients that Shepherd Neame uses. Being able to discuss how you would incorporate these into your dishes will show your passion for quality and presentation.
✨Show Off Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or mentored junior chefs in the past. Highlighting your leadership mindset will demonstrate that you're ready to take ownership in the kitchen.
✨Bring Positive Energy
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for food and cooking shine through. A positive attitude can be contagious, and it’s something that employers look for in a team player.
✨Be Ready to Adapt
Think of scenarios where you've had to stay calm and proactive under pressure. Sharing these experiences will illustrate your adaptability and ability to thrive in a busy kitchen environment.