At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team and create delicious Mexican dishes from scratch.
- Company: Wahaca, a top Mexican restaurant founded by a MasterChef winner.
- Benefits: 70% off food, free meals, and a £100 welcome bonus.
- Other info: Enjoy fun events, career growth, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join us to inspire a team and deliver unforgettable dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen and a passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Our story: Wahaca is a leading Mexican restaurant in the UK, founded by Thomasina Miers (MasterChef winner) and Mark Selby. Inspired by their time in Mexico, their mission is to show the UK how vibrant and delicious Mexican food is, championing great British produce and sourcing ingredients locally. Rooted in our founders' values, we serve a taste of Mexican sunshine through showing pride, staying humble, choosing integrity, having fun, and thinking positively. With an upbeat atmosphere and chef made dishes, we believe every meal should be an adventure and every guest a friend.
As Sous Chef, you are the right hand to the Head Chef, and a key driver of the kitchen's success. Your leadership ensures consistency and quality in service, as well as developing and motivating the team to perform at their best. We are currently looking for a Sous Chef who will support in driving our brand standards forward, a hospitality leader who can truly inspire their team to deliver that WOW-worthy experience to every guest.
How you'll drive success:
- Fully support your Head Chef to maintain the highest food safety standards
- Lead and support a team of junior chefs, including section chefs, prep chefs, kitchen assistants
- Inspire and guide your team by leading from the front, always ready to step in and support, ensuring all guests are served up a taste of Mexican sunshine
- Champion a positive environment and deeply care about your team, supporting their growth and progression
- A passion for fresh food - our dishes are made from scratch using seasonal ingredients, and you'll ensure our chefs are fully trained to follow recipes and maintain the highest standards
People do their best work when they feel looked after inside and outside of work - because when our teams thrive, so do our guests. Creating a supportive, inclusive and energising environment is just as important to us as delivering great food and service. That's why we offer a range of great benefits:
- FINANCIAL: 70% off food when dining at Wahaca with up to 3 friends, £100 to celebrate your probation in Wahaca, Up to £1,000 through friend referrals, Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption pay, Early access to wages, financial support and discounts through Stream
- HEALTH AND WELLBEING: Free, nutritious meal every time you work, freshly made by our talented chefs, Cycle to work scheme, Support from our trained Mental Health First Aiders, Time off for when needed; like your child's first day at school, Sabbatical - 4 weeks paid off work - every 5 years
- DEVELOPMENT: FREE flight ticket to Mexico after 2 years with us! Own development plan and clear career path - we are committed to growing our people from within
- SOCIAL: Unwind and turn up the fun at one of our many events across the year such as WOW Fest! Our very own Masterchef and Cocktail competitions. The fun is in your hands with allocated funds and time to drive the fun with your team
If you're inspired by what you've read and have a passion for delivering exceptional hospitality, we'd be thrilled to have you join our team!
Sous Chef employer: Wahaca
Wahaca is not just a leading Mexican restaurant; it's a vibrant community that prioritises its people and the planet. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer fantastic benefits such as free meals, generous discounts, and opportunities for personal growth, all within a fun and supportive work culture. Join us in creating memorable dining experiences while enjoying unique perks like a paid trip to Mexico after two years and a lively team atmosphere that celebrates every achievement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨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 Wahaca. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Wahaca
Don't be shy about reaching out to Wahaca 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
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 Wahaca 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 Wahaca
✨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!
