At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create exceptional dining experiences at our unique restaurant.
- Company: The Store Hotel, a lifestyle luxury hotel in the heart of Oxford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, meals on duty, ongoing training, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a community-focused company committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and make your mark in a dynamic culinary environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ 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.
To act as the second-in-command to the Head Chef, leading the kitchen team in delivering exceptional food quality, consistency, and service standards. The Senior 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 or strong Junior Sous Chef ready to step up
- 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)
- £45,000 plus non-contractual service charge (£50,000 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 - this is the most fun you will have on your induction day that we promise!
- Brand pillars - we have four pillars that we live and breathe every day!
- Opportunities to socialise and celebrate big moments together - birthdays, work anniversaries and big life moments!
- Team Awards and socials
- Fundraising initiatives - we support the community and like to give back, in 2023, 2024 and 2025 we walked for wellbeing supporting Hospitality Action.
- Go green - come and work with a company that is committed to creating a greener planet, by looking at how we can reduce our carbon footprint - we have a green team who ensure we are on track, come and play your part in that.
We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment as we believe diversity fosters a more innovative, creative, dynamic, and nurturing culture. We are striving to create a culture that fully represents our four brand pillars: Legacy, Discovery, Innovation and Community including all the communities we serve. 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.
Senior Sous Chef in Banbury employer: The Store
Contact Detail:
The Store Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef in Banbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with fellow chefs and industry professionals on social media or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider doing a trial shift or a cooking demonstration to showcase your culinary talents. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to restaurants or hotels you admire, like The Store, and express your interest in joining their team. A personal touch can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on the latest culinary trends and techniques. Attend workshops or online courses to enhance your skills. This not only boosts your confidence but also makes you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef in Banbury
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 to create exceptional dishes. We want to see that spark of creativity and passion that aligns with our ethos at The Store.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience as a Sous Chef or Junior Sous Chef. We’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire, so share specific examples of how you've managed teams and delivered high-quality food in your previous roles.
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know the real you! Share your unique approach to cooking and how you connect with your team and guests.
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 amazing team at The Store!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Store
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary knowledge, especially regarding locally sourced produce and British cuisine. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate these elements into the menu at Treadwell, showcasing your creativity and understanding of the restaurant's unique style.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll need to inspire and lead the kitchen team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team in the past, focusing on training and mentoring junior chefs. Highlight your ability to maintain high standards under pressure, as this will resonate with their commitment to exceptional guest experiences.
✨Demonstrate Financial Awareness
Familiarise yourself with key financial concepts like GP, cost control, and waste management. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively managed food costs in previous roles. This will show that you understand the business side of running a kitchen, which is crucial for the position.
✨Embrace Their Values
The Store Hotel has strong brand pillars: Legacy, Discovery, Innovation, and Community. Think about how your personal values align with these pillars and be ready to share your thoughts during the interview. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to contributing positively to their culture.