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For Companies 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 tradition.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, tips, discounts, flexible hours, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values tradition and innovation.
- Why this job: Step up your culinary career in a vibrant gastro pub environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, leadership skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
Employment type: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Hourly + share of tips per hour
At Shepherd Neame, we know that great food is at the heart of a memorable experience. As a Junior Sous Chef, you’ll 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.
Where You’ll Be Working
The Horse and Groom is situated at the heart of Wilmington village near Dartford in Kent. Recently refurbished, the stylish Gastro pub is the perfect place to pop in for a quick drink, snack or to indulge in a delicious meal. We operate full table service seven days a week and can cater for as many as 600 covers on a busy day. We also have a great garden which allows us to accommodate a further 180 hungry diners when the sun is shining.
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.
Junior Sous Chef in Wilmington employer: Shepherd Neame
Contact Detail:
Shepherd Neame Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef in Wilmington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen vibe! Before your interview, pop by the pub for a meal or a drink. This way, you can see how the team operates and get a feel for the atmosphere. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the place!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish you've created to the interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your culinary flair and passion for food. Just make sure it’s something that represents your style!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on social media. They can give you insider tips about the kitchen culture and what the Head Chef values most. Plus, it might just give you an edge in your application!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef in Wilmington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that enthusiasm for food and how it drives you to create amazing dishes.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Junior Sous Chef, you'll be guiding others, so make sure to mention any experience you have in leading a team or mentoring junior chefs. We’re looking for someone who can take ownership and inspire their colleagues!
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. Whether it's presentation or hygiene, we want to know how you ensure quality in every dish.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll get to see all the details about the role and our fantastic company culture. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shepherd Neame
✨Know Your Culinary Basics
Brush up on your culinary techniques and terminology before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with different cooking methods, ingredients, and presentation styles. This shows that you’re not just passionate about food but also knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Junior Sous Chef, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've supported or guided team members in previous roles. Highlighting your leadership mindset will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Bring Your Positive Energy
Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for the role and the culinary world during the interview. A positive attitude can be infectious, and it’s something that employers like Shepherd Neame value highly. Share your passion for food and how it drives you in your work.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your adaptability and problem-solving skills, especially in a busy kitchen environment. Think of specific situations where you had to stay calm under pressure or adapt quickly to changes. This will help you demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting.