At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring high-quality food and safety standards.
- Company: Join a vibrant hospitality business passionate about real cooking and fresh ingredients.
- Benefits: Enjoy overtime pay, staff discounts, paid breaks, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Participate in exciting staff events and competitions, plus enjoy Christmas off!
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team with great opportunities for personal development and career growth.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or Junior Sous Chef with strong kitchen skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
- Lead kitchen shifts with confidence, keeping service smooth, organised and on spec from prep through to the final plate
- Be the Head Chef's right hand - supporting day-to-day operations, stepping up in their absence, and helping the kitchen deliver consistently strong results
- Set the tone for high standards on the pass, with a sharp eye for food quality, pace, cleanliness, hygiene and safety
- Take ownership of key kitchen routines including prep and par, stock control, waste, orders and effective shift handovers
- Coach and support the team around you, helping new and existing chefs build confidence, grow their skills and deliver great food every shift
What You'll Bring
- A passionate cook who takes real pride in fresh ingredients, clean specs, and food that goes out right every single time
- Someone the team can count on - you show up, you're on time, and you give it everything when you're there
- Someone who leads by example in the kitchen - setting the standard on the pass, supporting the team, and never cutting corners
- Confident taking ownership of a shift in the Head Chef's absence, from prep and par to stock management and shift handovers
- A team player who helps coach and develop the chefs around them and genuinely wants to see them improve
- Experience as a Sous Chef, Junior Sous Chef, or a talented Chef de Partie ready to take their next step
We're hiring a full-time Sous Chef to be part of the kitchen team at Sorbo Lounge, a local café bar. Part of Loungers, proudly named Casual Dining Group of the Year 2026. With competitive salary, plus bonus, paid overtime and real progression opportunities, this is a great next step for an experienced hospitality sous chef, second chef or junior sous chef.
About the Sous Chef Role
Lounges are pretty special places, and what makes them so special is the brilliant people who work in them. As Sous Chef you'll be right at the heart of the Sorbo Lounge kitchen; supporting your Head Chef, leading the team through each service, and making sure every dish that leaves the pass is something to be proud of. If you love real cooking, care about the people around you, and take pride in doing the small things brilliantly, you'll fit right in. We're a growing hospitality brand across England and Wales with over 300 sites and plenty of opportunity to grow with us. This could be the start of something really good.
What's in it For You?
- Competitive base salary + bonus + overtime
- Permanent full-time role; 48-hour contract (40-hour contract option available)
- Overtime pay for every hour worked
- Achievable bonus scheme, paid twice a year
- Tips shared equally across the team, based on hours worked
- Free meal on every shift no matter the length
- Christmas and Boxing Day off
- Genuine career development with our in-house training courses and 'Step-Up' to GM/HC development programmes
- 50% discount on food and drinks from day one. Including alcohol across all our brands (Lounge, Cosy Club, & Brightside) from day one
- The most talked-about staff party in hospitality - Loungefest!
- Long service awards - Vouchers/Extra money
- Early access to your pay with Stream
- Emotional and practical support via the Licensed Trade Charity
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Sous Chef employer: The Lounges
The Lounges is an exceptional employer for aspiring chefs, offering a vibrant kitchen environment at Sorbo Lounge where creativity and culinary skills can flourish. With a commitment to employee growth, you will have the chance to advance your career while enjoying benefits like free meals, tips, and a generous 50% discount on food and drinks from day one. Join us to be part of a supportive team that values your contributions and encourages your professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with our kitchen culture and values. Understanding our commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and customer-led cooking will help you align your passion with what we do, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading the kitchen team, so be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed a team or resolved conflicts in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of Health & Safety and Hygiene standards. Being able to demonstrate your understanding of these practices will show us that you're serious about maintaining our 5* kitchen standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees if possible. Engaging with our team can provide you with insider insights about the role and the company culture, which can be invaluable during your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Sous Chef or in similar roles. Emphasise your skills with fresh ingredients, kitchen management, and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for real cooking and your commitment to high standards. Mention specific experiences where you led a team or improved kitchen operations.
Highlight Relevant Skills:In your application, focus on key skills mentioned in the job description, such as communication, food safety knowledge, and experience with KPIs. Use examples to demonstrate these skills.
Show Enthusiasm for the Company:Research the company culture and values. In your application, express why you want to work with them specifically and how you align with their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Lounges
✨Show Your Passion for Real Cooking
Make sure to express your love for cooking with fresh ingredients during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or techniques you've mastered that align with the company's focus on quality and customer-led cooking.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading the kitchen team. Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing shifts and how you motivate and engage your team. Highlight any successful training or mentoring you've provided to junior staff.
✨Know Your Health & Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to the kitchen environment. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance and maintain hygiene standards, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific kitchen scenarios, such as managing stock levels or dealing with a busy service. Think through your responses in advance to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions under pressure.
