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Job role: Sous Chef
Location: Reading
Salary: £38,000-£40,000 per year plus overtime
Shift Pattern: Monday-Friday
Houston & Hawkes are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and experienced Sous Chef who produce outstanding food using the finest and freshest ingredients at our contract in Reading.
This is a great opportunity for a Sous Chef to make a name for themselves within the contract catering industry. We’ll give you a place to grow and a career to be proud of.
Sous Chef Duties:
- To manage the kitchen in the absence of the head chef
- Setting up the kitchen and ensuring all ingredients are fresh and in date
- Preparing ingredients, designing seasonal menu items, controlling and directing the food preparation process
- Ensure the presentation of the food is consistent with the standards set by head chef
- Focusing on all customers including guests, staff and visitors & meeting dietary and allergen requirements whilst ensuring quality of food and service
- Demonstrate Personal Development.
Sous Chef Requirements:
- A genuine passion for food
- Industry acumen and knowledge of external catering developments & innovations
- Ability to work efficiently and competently under pressure
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
- High level of self-motivation and not constrained by conventional time keeping
- 706/2 or NVQ chef qualifications, or equivalent
- Honesty, transparency and consistency, someone who can gain and hold the respect of other
- Personal innovation and passion
- Demonstrative customer focus and service skills
- Computer literate
Sous Chef Additional Benefits:
- Free meals at work
- Contributary pension scheme
- Free access to the company Employee Assistant Programme
- Life assurance at two times salary
- Company events including all company Christmas party
- Uniform provided
- 20 days holiday plus statutory bank holidays
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Family-friendly support, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave and adoption leave
- Day off on your birthday
- Referral bonuses
- Training and development opportunities, including regular masterclasses with renowned chef Sally Abe
Who We Are:
Houston & Hawkes is a young and dynamic independent caterer based in the South East. We are proud to be an award-winning company, ranked among the top 30 companies to work for in the hospitality industry, and a certified B Corp company. We believe in creating memorable experiences for our customers through our vibrant, creative, and sustainable food offerings. We operate coffee bars, staff restaurants, and delis, tailored to our clients’ hospitality and event needs. Committed to social responsibility, passionate about Great British produce and dedicated to our talented teams.
Join Houston & Hawkes and be part of a team that values excellence, creativity, and professional growth.
