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 Bikes, Smart TVs 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 - birthdays, work anniversaries and big life moments!
- Team Awards and socials
- Fundraising initiatives - we support the community and like to give back
- Go green - come and work with a company that is committed to creating a greener planet
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 employer: The Store
Contact Detail:
The Store Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the hotel and its vibe! Before your interview, take a stroll around The Store and Treadwell. Familiarise yourself with the menu and the local produce they use. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to bring your culinary flair to their unique dining experience.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Senior Sous Chef role. Personal connections can give you an edge and insider knowledge about the team culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you’ve led a kitchen team or mentored junior chefs. Highlight your ability to maintain high standards under pressure, as this is crucial for the fast-paced environment at The Store.
✨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 keen on being part of our community and committed to the values we uphold at The Store.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef
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 vision at The Store.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Talk about how you've inspired and developed others in the kitchen, and how you can bring that same energy to our team at Treadwell.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don't just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Tell us about the specific responsibilities you had, especially those related to kitchen management and food quality. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their expertise and how it relates to our needs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of standing out. It’s super easy, and you’ll get to see all the amazing opportunities we have at The Store. Plus, it shows us you're genuinely interested in being part of our team!
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 understanding of the restaurant's unique approach.
✨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.
✨Demonstrate Financial Savvy
Familiarise yourself with food cost control, waste management, and stock levels. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively managed these aspects in previous roles, as this will show your potential employer that you can contribute to the operational excellence of the kitchen.
✨Embrace The Store's Values
Research The Store's brand pillars: Legacy, Discovery, Innovation, and Community. Think about how your personal values align with these pillars and be ready to share your thoughts on how you can contribute to creating a positive impact within the team and the local community.