At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team to create exceptional dishes using quality, seasonal ingredients.
- Company: Join the prestigious Royal Household and be part of an extraordinary culinary team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension plan, and complimentary meals.
- Other info: Flexible working hours, opportunities for travel, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your culinary leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Junior Sous or Sous Chef with a City and Guilds catering qualification.
The predicted salary is between 25290 - 30910 £ per year.
It's using your expertise to deliver the highest standards.
It's developing your leadership skills. And it’s helping to deliver extraordinary service. This is what makes a career at the Royal Household so different.
Joining our highly accomplished team, you’ll work hands-on with your colleagues to deliver food to the highest standards.
Working with quality ingredients and making the most of locally sourced and seasonal produce, you’ll support a varied catering operation.
You'll help prepare and deliver meals for employee dining and hospitality services daily.
Alongside this, you'll contribute to a range of events as well as Royal functions throughout the year.
Our team members work collaboratively, with the opportunity to gain experience in all aspects of the kitchen.
With training and support embedded in our team culture, you’ll be encouraged to grow your skills.
Although based at Buckingham Palace, you’ll also work at different locations throughout the year.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate closely with the Head Chef and kitchen team to ensure a seamless catering operation, consistently delivering high standards of food quality and service.
- Assist with and supervise the preparation and production of food for a range of requirements, from daily employee meals to formal dining and hospitality events when required.
- Support the Head Chef with ordering, stock control and menu planning, making suggestions for new or improved items.
- Train, inspire and supervise junior chefs, developing their skills in a range of cooking and preparation techniques across all sections of the kitchen.
- Ensure that correct procedures are followed according to health and hygiene regulations.
- Typical Working Pattern
We offer a flexible and supportive working environment.
Our standard working week is around 45 hours, with two days off in every seven and regular weekends off (and sometimes evenings).
When travel to other Royal Residences is required, split shifts may be part of the schedule, and any travel time is balanced with time off in lieu upon return.
We value work-life balance and aim to accommodate individual needs. Typically, rotas are planned four weeks in advance to provide plenty of notice and stability.
Accommodation
You’ll have the option to live on site in single‑person accommodation (for which there will be a 16.7% salary deduction to cover bills).
With breakfast, lunch and dinner provided each day, you’ll be well fuelled and ready to support the team throughout the day.
- With a City and Guilds catering qualification (or equivalent), you’ll also have gained substantial experience working in a high-quality catering or hospitality operation, and recent expertise at a Junior Sous or Sous Chef level.
- Proficiency across all kitchen sections: Larder, Veg, Sauce, and Pastry, showcasing your skills, with versatility to support different service styles and requirements.
- Exemplify strong leadership abilities, with a knack for inspiring, coaching and encouraging junior team members.
- Well organised, you can plan and delegate effectively.
- With a sound understanding of health and safety requirements you ensure a safe and hygienic kitchen environment.
- With good communication skills, you can build great working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders across the organisation.
- Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment, where every day presents new challenges and opportunities for culinary innovation.
- Above all, you’ll exhibit an unwavering commitment to service excellence, making you an invaluable asset to our esteemed Kitchen team.
We know that to deliver our best work; we need to feel at our best.
That’s why at the Royal Household we offer a generous benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and life priorities.
Enjoy 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days (plus bank holidays) dependent on the length of time you have worked for us.
Our excellent non-contributory pension plan (we’ll contribute 15% and you can contribute more if you wish) is highly valued by our employees, as is complimentary lunch on-site to keep you fuelled throughout the day.
We also offer a range of leave options to support your life priorities, such as parental pay and leave and volunteering days, as well as benefits to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
Other perks include 20% off at our Royal Collection Trust Shops and complimentary admission tickets across all our locations, along with many more exclusive employee discounts.
Find out more about the full range of benefits available to our employee here.
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Sous Chef in London employer: The Royal Household
Working for the Royal Household offers a unique opportunity to be part of a prestigious institution that values excellence in hospitality. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and professional development, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages growth and high standards. Located within the historic Royal residences, this role not only provides meaningful employment but also allows you to contribute to a legacy of exceptional service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in London
✨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 The Royal Household. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Royal Household
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Royal Household 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 in London
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 The Royal Household 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 The Royal Household
✨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!
