At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create exceptional banqueting experiences.
- Company: Sopwell House, a luxurious family-owned Georgian country house hotel.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals, discounts, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with training opportunities and a focus on kindness.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact on memorable events.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef with a passion for high-quality food.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 44000 £ per year.
- Banqueting Sous Chef
- Full-Time position (48 hours) - Up to £44,000 per annum plus service charge
Your country home away from home, nestled within 12 acres of picturesque Hertfordshire countryside.
Sopwell House is a luxurious, family-owned Georgian country house hotel offering timeless elegance and modern comfort.
We’re proud to be a place where exceptional service is delivered with warmth, pride and purpose.
We’re currently looking for a passionate Banqueting Sous Chef to join our dedicated team.
Your role in our family
- Support the Executive Head Chef in delivering exceptional banqueting experiences for weddings, conferences, gala dinners and special events.
- Lead and inspire the kitchen team, deputising for senior chefs in their absence and ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the Banqueting Kitchen
- Prepare and present exceptional dishes while maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency and presentation
- Supervise and develop the team through coaching, training and leading by example
- Assist with menu implementation, recipe consistency, food costing and stock management
- Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards
- Work collaboratively with the wider Food & Beverage team to deliver memorable guest experiences
- Drive continuous improvement through innovation, attention to detail and exceptional operational standards.
What would make you the perfect fit?
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef
- Experience delivering high-volume banqueting events, including weddings, conferences and gala dinners.
- Excellent knowledge of modern cooking techniques with a passion for producing consistently outstanding food.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop a busy kitchen team.
- Strong understanding of kitchen operations, stock control, food costing and labour management.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
- A proactive, hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
- Food Safety Level 3 qualification
- Passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences while maintaining the highest culinary standards
The Best Bit
- Wide range of training and development opportunities
- Free staff meals and parking
- Discounted food and beverage, accommodation and spa
- 28 days holiday and 1 extra holiday day on your birthday
- 30% discount on Spa treatments and Spa days
- 10% discount on Spa products
- Introduce a friend at work bonus
- Free uniform
- Preferred Hotel Group discounted global hotel rates
At Sopwell House, we live by our Vision, Purpose and Values.
We are dedicated to creating a world of ‘Perfect Contentment’ for both our team members and guests alike ‘Spreading kindness one act at a time’ along the way.
Our team pride themselves on ‘Performing with Drive and Serving with Soul’ in everything we do.
“Being a part of the Sopwell Family made me think anything was possible in my career”
If this sounds like your dream job, we would love to hear from you!
Please be advised that if you have not received a response within 14 days, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.
All applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous 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 Sopwell House. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sopwell House
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sopwell House 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 Sous 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 Sopwell House 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 Sopwell House
✨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!
