At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create exceptional dishes for diverse events.
- Company: Join Wilson Vale, a quality-led contract caterer with a fun and inspiring culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy work-life balance, career development, and your birthday off every year!
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to supporting all team members.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or Chef de Partie with strong culinary and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 37000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for a Sous Chef to join our team at one of our conference venuesin Birmingham B4 7ET.
This is a permanent position working 40 hours per week, 5 out of 7 days.
You'll work a variety of shifts between the hours of 6:00am and 9:30pm, including 6:00am to 2:30pm, 7:00am to 3:30pm, 10:00am to 6:30pm, 11:00am to 7:30pm, and 1:00pm to 9:30pm.
Wilson Vale is an established, quality-led contract caterer.
We work with amazing clients across the UK who place huge value on great food as a key part of their culture and community.
We work in office restaurants, independent schools and conference venues with the same high-end ethos throughout.
We are looking for an experienced, passionate and motivated Sous Chef to join our friendly and supportive team.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a talented chef who enjoys leading by example, thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in producing exceptional food while supporting the development of others.
Our site serves around 300 customers each day from a population of approximately 500, delivering breakfast, lunch and dinner services alongside a varied hospitality offering.
We cater for everything from plated and buffet breakfasts, buffet lunches and à la carte dining to VIP events, private dinners for 10 to 220 guests, BBQs for 40 to 200 guests and buffet events for up to 300 people.
No two days are the same, offering an exciting and varied role for an ambitious chef.
As Sous Chef, you will support the Head Chef in overseeing the day-to-day culinary operation, ensuring every service is delivered to the highest standards.
You'll lead by example in the kitchen, supervise and develop the team, oversee food preparation and presentation, and ensure all contractual requirements are met.
You'll also play a key role in maintaining Wilson Vale's high standards of food safety, health and safety, and customer satisfaction while encouraging creativity and continuous improvement within the kitchen.
To succeed in this role, you'll have strong culinary skills, excellent organisational abilities and a calm, positive approach under pressure.
You'll be an effective communicator with a passion for fresh food, an eye for detail and the ability to inspire and support your team to consistently deliver outstanding results.
Responsibilities
- Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day management of the kitchen.
- Lead and motivate the kitchen team, ensuring high standards throughout every service.
- Prepare and deliver fresh, high-quality food across breakfast, lunch, dinner and hospitality events.
- Oversee your team to ensure food quality, presentation and consistency.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, HACCP, COSHH and health and safety procedures.
- Monitor stock, ordering, food cost control and minimise waste.
- Support the training and development of junior chefs.
- Deliver exceptional service while meeting client expectations and contractual requirements.
Skills
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef or an experienced Chef de Partie ready to progress.
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, COSHH and food safety legislation.
- Good understanding of food costing and stock control.
- Calm and organised under pressure.
- Creative approach to menu development and presentation.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Resourceful with strong problem-solving abilities.
- Passion for fresh food and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
WILSON VALE PERKS
- Our working hours are some of the best you’ll find in catering - we are strong believers in work-life balance
- Our working environment is fun and inspiring, with excellent career development opportunities
- Craft Works – Free craft-focused career development training programme
- Paid training bespoke to you
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme- your wellbeing is very important to us
• Online employee benefits scheme -monetary savings on everyday items!
- Your Birthday off every year after 1 years’ service.
- Enhanced Maternity Pay
Wilson Vale is an equal opportunities employer that strives to create an inclusive working environment for all.
We are committed to supporting our people and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.
From each and every person in our catering teams, to our operations and central support teams – everyone at has a voice.
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Sous Chef in Birmingham employer: Wilson Vale
At Wilson Vale, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and teamwork in the heart of Royal Leamington Spa. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and unique benefits like a day off for your birthday, ensuring our team members feel valued and supported in their culinary careers. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment where your passion for fresh food and high-volume events can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Birmingham
✨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 Wilson Vale. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Wilson Vale
Don't be shy about reaching out to Wilson Vale 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 Birmingham
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 Wilson Vale 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 Wilson Vale
✨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!
