Sous Chef

Sous Chef

Full-Time 30900 - 40900 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead kitchen operations, mentor junior chefs, and create seasonal menus.
  • Company: Join a prestigious kitchen team in historic Cambridge.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 34 days holiday, annual bonus, free meals, and more perks.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in a beautiful setting with a supportive team culture.
  • Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Professional Cookery and 3 years' experience required.
  • Other info: Flexibility is key; overtime available for those eager to earn more.

The predicted salary is between 30900 - 40900 £ per year.

Job Description

Sous Chef – Leadership Role in a Prestigious Cambridge Setting\\n\\nLocation: Cambridge\\nJob Type: Full-time, Permanent\\nSalary: £36,900 per annum\\nHours: 37.5 hours per week, worked on a two-week rota. Flexibility required. Overtime available.\\nBenefits: 34 days holiday (including bank holidays), annual bonus, medical cashback scheme, on-duty meals, free parking, and more.\\n\\nAbout the Role\\n\\nWe are seeking an experienced and motivated Sous Chef to join a highly regarded kitchen team based in the heart of historic Cambridge.

This is an opportunity to work in a unique, inspiring setting while delivering high-quality dining experiences.\\n\\nYou'll support the Head Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations, mentoring junior staff, and helping shape a creative, seasonal menu that reflects both innovation and tradition.\\n\\nKey Responsibilities\\n\\n * Lead kitchen operations during service, supervising and supporting the team\\n\\n * Ensure consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, and customer satisfaction\\n\\n * Collaborate with the Head Chef to develop seasonal and event menus\\n\\n * Oversee stock management, ordering, and cost control measures\\n\\n * Support the execution of banquets, formal dinners, and high-profile events\\n\\n * Uphold food safety, hygiene, and allergen compliance at all times\\n\\n * Provide mentoring, coaching, and on-the-job training for junior chefs\\n\\nWhat We’re Looking For\\n\\nQualifications:\\n\\n * NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent)\\n\\n * Formal training in HACCP and COSHH\\n\\nSkills & Experience:\\n\\n * Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar senior kitchen role\\n\\n * Excellent communication and leadership abilities\\n\\n * In-depth understanding of food safety and allergen regulations\\n\\n * Proven ability to supervise and motivate a kitchen team\\n\\n * Experience with banqueting or large-scale catering is highly desirable\\n\\nPersonal Attributes:\\n\\n * Friendly, professional, and approachable\\n\\n * Trustworthy and dependable\\n\\n * Proactive, organised, and calm under pressure\\n\\n * Willing to work weekends and flexibly when required\\n\\nWhy Join Us?\\n\\nThis is a rare opportunity to work in one of Cambridge’s most beautiful and historically significant settings. You'll enjoy a supportive team culture, excellent facilities, generous benefits, and the chance to make a real impact on the culinary offering.\\n\\nWhether you’re looking for more leadership responsibility or a new challenge in a respected kitchen, we want to hear from you

Sous Chef employer: Spartan Recruitment Ltd

Join our prestigious kitchen team in the heart of historic Cambridge, where you'll not only lead culinary operations but also enjoy a supportive work culture that values creativity and innovation. With generous benefits including 34 days of holiday, an annual bonus, and opportunities for professional growth, this role offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact while working in a beautiful setting. If you're passionate about delivering high-quality dining experiences and mentoring the next generation of chefs, this is the perfect opportunity for you.
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Contact Detail:

Spartan Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sous Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the culinary field, especially those who have experience in prestigious kitchens. Attend local food events or workshops in Cambridge to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the kitchen culture.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any mentoring or training experiences you've had with junior chefs. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team in high-pressure situations.

✨Tip Number 3

Familiarise yourself with the local dining scene in Cambridge, particularly the types of cuisine and dining experiences that are popular. This knowledge can help you demonstrate your understanding of seasonal menu development during interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience with food safety regulations and allergen compliance. Being able to articulate your knowledge in these areas will show that you take food safety seriously, which is crucial for this role.

We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef

Leadership Skills
Team Management
Menu Development
Food Safety Compliance
HACCP Knowledge
COSHH Training
Communication Skills
Creativity in Cooking
Stock Management
Cost Control
Banqueting Experience
Mentoring and Coaching
Organisational Skills
Calm Under Pressure
Flexibility in Working Hours

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in kitchen operations, leadership roles, and any specific skills related to food safety and allergen compliance. Use keywords from the job description to catch the employer's attention.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for culinary arts and your leadership abilities. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your capability to mentor junior staff and manage kitchen operations effectively.

Showcase Your Qualifications: Clearly list your NVQ Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Professional Cookery, along with any formal training in HACCP and COSHH. This will help establish your credibility as a qualified candidate.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your minimum of 3 years’ experience in a senior kitchen role. Include examples of how you've successfully managed teams, developed menus, and executed large-scale catering events.

How to prepare for a job interview at Spartan Recruitment Ltd

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Sous Chef, you'll be expected to lead and mentor junior staff. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences and how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past.

✨Demonstrate Your Culinary Knowledge

Familiarise yourself with seasonal ingredients and current culinary trends. During the interview, share your ideas for innovative dishes or menus that reflect both creativity and tradition.

✨Emphasise Food Safety Expertise

Given the importance of food safety and allergen compliance, be ready to discuss your training in HACCP and COSHH. Provide examples of how you've implemented these practices in your previous roles.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities under pressure. Think of specific situations where you had to manage a busy service or resolve conflicts within the team, and be ready to explain your approach.

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