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- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, create fresh dishes, and support fellow chefs.
- Company: Join the award-winning Heartwood Collection, known for its vibrant hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a new opening and make your mark in a thriving kitchen.
- Qualifications: 3-4 years as a Sous Chef with strong leadership and culinary skills.
- Other info: Exciting growth plans with over 40 locations and a supportive community.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 35000 £ per year.
At Heartwood Collection, we’re on the lookout for a passionate and vibrant individual to join our kitchen team as Sous Chef for our New Opening at The Potter's Heron, Ampfield, SO51 9ZF (Near Romsey). Following twenty years of independent ownership, this beautiful thatched roof hotel and dining space has been acquired by us here at The Heartwood Collection. The Potters Heron has historically been thought of with fondness as an established hotel and will now enter an extensive multi-million-pound refurbishment to create a warm and elegant 56 room inn with a 200-capacity restaurant dining space.
We’re an award-winning group of cosy pubs and atmospheric brasseries that truly feel like home. From the elegance of Brasserie Blanc to the charm of Heartwood Inns, we pride ourselves on serving fresh, seasonal dishes to our local communities.
What we offer:
- Salary package includes TRONC
- Contract average of 48 hours with paid overtime
- Bespoke training and development through our Stepping Stones programme
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program with Hospitality Action
- Instant pay access through EarlyPay
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave
- Up to £1,500 Referral Bonus
- 50% off food at any Heartwood Inns or Brasserie Blanc, plus a 20% discount for family and friends
- A birthday gift and Long Service Recognition
- Discounts on hundreds of retailers and experiences via Reward Gateway
- Cycle to Work Scheme
About You:
- Have a proven track record in running service from the line, fresh food cuisine and delivering training and support to chefs
- Able to work on and run any sections in the kitchen team, demonstrate leadership skills and assist the head chef
- 3-4 years experience in a Sous Chef role or similar, preferably with exposure to branded operations and a basic understanding of administration operations
Heartwood Collection is a multi-award-winning hospitality group:
- Sunday Times Best Places to Work winner 2024
- Double winner at the Publican Awards 2024
- Best Pub Brand/ Concept at the Publican Awards 2025
At Heartwood Collection, we’re excited about the future. With over 40 locations now and plans to expand to more than 60 by 2027, including over 500 bedrooms, there’s never been a better time to join us. We’re committed to growing our team with progression opportunities across our estate. Join us and be part of a community that’s warm, genuine, and full of life.
Sous Chef employer: The Potters Heron, Ampfield
Contact Detail:
The Potters Heron, Ampfield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who might know about openings at Heartwood Collection. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a dish or two to an informal meet-up or tasting event. This gives you a chance to showcase your culinary flair and passion for fresh food cuisine directly to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to the kitchen team at The Potter's Heron. Express your enthusiasm for the Sous Chef role and ask if they’d be open to a chat about your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it local! Apply through our website to stay updated on new openings and events. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Heartwood Collection community.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and the culinary arts shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for fresh, seasonal dishes and how you can contribute to our vibrant kitchen team.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to tailor your CV to highlight your experience in running service from the line and any leadership roles you've had. We love seeing how your background aligns with our values and the role of Sous Chef.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure to outline your skills and experiences without unnecessary fluff. This helps us get a quick grasp of what you bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at The Potter's Heron. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Potters Heron, Ampfield
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the menu and the types of dishes the restaurant serves. Be ready to discuss how you would approach creating seasonal dishes or improving existing recipes. This shows your passion for fresh food cuisine and your understanding of the culinary landscape.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and support the kitchen team. Prepare examples of how you've trained and mentored other chefs in the past. Highlight any specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them to ensure smooth service.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that test your problem-solving skills in a busy kitchen environment. Think about scenarios where you had to manage multiple orders or resolve conflicts within the team. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research Heartwood Collection and its values. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work there and how you align with their commitment to community and quality. Showing that you resonate with their ethos can set you apart from other candidates.