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- Tasks: Lead a team to create fresh, seasonal meals for staff in a dynamic kitchen.
- Company: Join Wilson Vale, a quality-led contract caterer with a focus on great food and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy work-life balance, free training, birthday off, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values creativity and innovation in cooking.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen operations, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Full-time role, Monday to Friday, with opportunities for career development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are currently seeking a passionate and skilled Sous Chef to join our dynamic team at a workplace restaurant in Cambridge (CB23). This role is 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, 7am to 3:30pm.
As Sous Chef, you’ll play a key role in delivering fresh, seasonal, made-from-scratch meals that reflect creativity and high culinary standards to around 100 staff members a day. Our kitchen has full autonomy over its menus, giving you the freedom to create exciting, quality dishes using only the freshest ingredients.
You’ll support the Chef Manager in leading a team of four, taking full responsibility in their absence. This includes overseeing daily operations, ordering fresh produce, managing kitchen costs, and ensuring all Health & Safety and COSHH protocols are followed.
You’ll enjoy working in a supportive and collaborative kitchen environment where quality and innovation are valued. The daily food offering includes plated and buffet lunches, a seasonal salad bar, and grab-and-go options. Additionally, the site hosts regular hospitality events, featuring a variety of options such as sandwiches and mezze platters.
We are looking for a confident and personable Sous Chef who enjoys engaging with customers and takes pride in delivering outstanding food and service. You should be well-presented, enthusiastic, and passionate about hospitality. Leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a solid understanding of kitchen operations are essential.
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 at conference venues with the same high-end ethos throughout.
We are looking for a positive, honest and reliable employee to join our friendly and hardworking team. We can offer good training and prospects within our team for the right candidate.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:- Be responsible for the daily operation of the kitchen and the preparation and cooking of all types of dishes.
- Be responsible, dedicated and a strong leader with the ability to manage a brigade of talented chefs.
- Be able to train and develop your team supportively and professionally.
- Deliver consistent food standards following the Wilson Vale brand standards.
- Deliver fresh, seasonal and innovative food from around the world.
- Be able to interact and engage with people while the food is being served.
- 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.
Sous Chef employer: Wilson Vale
Contact Detail:
Wilson Vale Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Wilson Vale's culinary ethos and menu offerings. Understanding their focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and innovative dishes will help you align your experience and ideas with what they value.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this role requires strong management capabilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the local food community in Cambridge. Attend food events or workshops to network with other chefs and industry professionals, which can provide valuable insights and connections that may benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to demonstrate your passion for hospitality during any interviews. Share stories about your experiences engaging with customers and how you ensure outstanding service, as this is a key aspect of the Sous Chef role at Wilson Vale.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in kitchen operations, leadership, and culinary skills. Emphasise any previous roles where you managed a team or created innovative dishes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for cooking and hospitality. Mention specific examples of how you've delivered high-quality meals and engaged with customers in past roles.
Showcase Your Culinary Creativity: If possible, include a portfolio or examples of dishes you've created. This could be photos or descriptions of seasonal menus you've developed, showcasing your ability to deliver fresh and innovative food.
Highlight Leadership Skills: Clearly outline your leadership experience in the kitchen. Discuss how you've trained and developed team members, and provide examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen operations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wilson Vale
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for cooking and food. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or innovative ideas you have for seasonal menus. This will demonstrate your creativity and commitment to high culinary standards.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
As a Sous Chef, you'll be expected to lead a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles, how you managed kitchen operations, and any challenges you overcame. This will show that you're capable of taking charge in the absence of the Chef Manager.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in a kitchen environment. Be ready to talk about how you interact with your team and engage with customers. Providing examples of how you've fostered a collaborative atmosphere will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Health & Safety Protocols
Understanding Health & Safety and COSHH protocols is crucial. Prepare to discuss your experience with these regulations and how you ensure compliance in the kitchen. This will reassure the interviewer of your ability to maintain a safe working environment.
