At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create exceptional dining experiences.
- Company: The Store Hotel, a luxury lifestyle hotel in the heart of Oxford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, discounts, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a community-focused, innovative hotel that values diversity and sustainability.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and make your mark in a unique culinary environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef with strong leadership and kitchen management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
The Store Hotel is a lifestyle luxury hotel set in the heart of Oxford. We sit in the building of the historic department store and Oxford institution, Boswells. Our 101-bedroom hotel will delight guests with a sense of curiosity and wonder, reflecting the rich heritage of the building’s former life. At The Store, Oxford, we don’t just offer jobs we offer careers that inspire! We’re passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences, and we’re looking for a warm, proactive, and service-driven professional to help us continue raising the bar.
Our growing team is already full of dedicated and passionate professionals working hard to see The Store bring a new and refreshed lifestyle luxury hotel experience to the city of Oxford. Untraditionally British, you can expect the unexpected at our restaurant, Treadwell. Our restaurant plays with locally sourced produce and the diverse influences that shape Oxford. It is incredibly British, but perhaps not as people have experienced before.
The Sous Chef plays a key role in kitchen management, team development, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities- Support the Head Chef in the overall management of the kitchen operation
- Lead and inspire the kitchen team to deliver high-quality food consistently
- Take full responsibility for the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence
- Manage and oversee all sections during service to ensure smooth operations
- Train, mentor, and develop junior chefs and kitchen staff
- Ensure all dishes meet presentation, quality, and portion standards
- Assist with menu planning, development, and seasonal changes
- Control food costs, waste, and stock levels effectively
- Oversee ordering, stock rotation, and supplier relationships
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations
- Maintain a clean, organised, and efficient kitchen environment
- Proven experience as a Sous Chef
- Excellent leadership and team management skills
- Strong knowledge of kitchen operations, food safety, and compliance
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- High attention to detail and passion for food quality
- Good financial awareness (GP, cost control, waste management)
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 3 preferred)
- Relevant culinary qualifications (desirable)
- £50,000 plus non-contractual service charge (£55,000 estimated on target earnings)
- Meals on duty
- Ongoing training provided - both in house and external
- Apprenticeships
- Career progression and development - we invest in our people
- Royal Cars taxis 50% discount for our people to and from work
- Refer a Friend Scheme (£250 for general referrals and £500 if you refer a chef)
- Review bonus and scheme (£50, £100, £200, E Bike's, Smart TV's and International overnight stays for 50 reviews plus)
- Access to Wagestream
- 25% off treatments in our spa and 50% off products
- Discount on rooms and food and beverage
- Hospitality Rewards: access to health and wellbeing benefits and perks for everyone (high street discount, restaurants, and Employee Assistance)
- Opportunities to win raffle prizes
- Exceptional induction game and programme
- Opportunities to socialise and celebrate big moments together
- Team Awards and socials
- Fundraising initiatives - we support the community
- Go green - come and work with a company that is committed to creating a greener planet
We’ve got 4 Brand Pillars that will also help you thrive: Legacy, Discovery, Innovation, and Community. At The Store, we value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, family or parental status, or disability status.
Sous Chef in Oxford employer: The Store Oxford
At The Store Hotel in Oxford, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ongoing training, career progression opportunities, and unique benefits such as discounts on spa treatments and meals, alongside a fun and engaging induction programme. Join our passionate team and be part of a community that values innovation, legacy, and the joy of delivering extraordinary guest experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on The Store and its culinary style. Familiarise yourself with their menu and think about how you can contribute to their innovative approach. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to jump in!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! If you get the chance, prepare a dish that reflects your style and share it during the interview. It’s a great way to showcase your creativity and passion for food, plus it gives the team a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences at The Store and any tips they might have for your application. A little insider knowledge can go a long way in making a good impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and being part of the exciting journey at The Store.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that spark of creativity and passion that aligns with our innovative approach at The Store.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've inspired and developed others in previous roles. We’re all about teamwork here, and we want to know how you can contribute to our kitchen culture!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous jobs; dive into the details! Mention specific dishes you've created or techniques you've mastered. This helps us understand your expertise and how you can bring something unique to our restaurant, Treadwell.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at The Store!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Store Oxford
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of locally sourced produce and how it influences the menu at Treadwell. Be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you would incorporate them into dishes, showcasing your passion for quality food.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff in the past, including training and mentoring junior chefs. Highlight your ability to inspire and maintain high standards under pressure.
✨Understand the Brand Pillars
Familiarise yourself with The Store's brand pillars: Legacy, Discovery, Innovation, and Community. Think about how your personal values align with these pillars and be prepared to share how you can contribute to them during your interview.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect practical questions that assess your kitchen management skills and food safety knowledge. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios, such as managing food costs or ensuring compliance with health regulations, to demonstrate your operational excellence.
