Junior Sous Chef

Overview

We are a family-run UK business operating food and beverage outlets at airports, creating exceptional experiences for all our customers. We are seeking a committed and enthusiastic Junior Sous Chef to join our team.

As a Junior Sous Chef, you’ll work alongside the Head Chef and Sous Chef to ensure the kitchen runs smoothly, maintaining high standards of food quality, safety, and cleanliness. This is an hourly paid role, and shifts may include early morning starts (e.g., 2 a.m.) or late finishes (e.g., 11:30 p.m.), with no requirement for split or double shifts.

The Role

You will assist in managing the kitchen’s day-to-day operations, supporting the Head Chef/Sous Chef in maintaining health and safety standards, delivering outstanding customer service, and leading the back-of-house team.

Main Duties

• Ensure a smooth, high-standard service at all times.
• Oversee, coach, and guide the kitchen team to deliver exceptional customer service while adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Ensure regular completion of temperature checks and cleaning records.
• Support the recruitment, induction, and training of new team members and communicate development needs to the Head Chef.
• Motivate the team through effective communication and positive feedback.
• Address staff concerns or provide corrective feedback promptly.
• Ensure shift responsibilities are completed, and handovers are conducted efficiently.
• Keep the management team informed of key issues during shifts.
• Collaborate with front-of-house colleagues to provide excellent customer service.
  
  

Requirements

We are looking for an experienced, self-motivated, and enthusiastic individual who is flexible with shift patterns and eager to take on a variety of duties.

Qualifications

Preferred Criteria:

• Advanced Food Hygiene certificate (desirable but not essential).
  
  

Relevant Experience

• Senior-level kitchen experience with leadership responsibility.
• Familiarity with an airport-based hospitality setting (desirable).
• Proven ability to assess and address health and safety or food preparation concerns in a kitchen environment.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with colleagues.
• Proven ability to manage teams and individuals in a kitchen setting.
• Highly organised, with the ability to engage others and work effectively under pressure.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities while maintaining service levels.
• Ability to manage stock ordering and rotation effectively, maximising revenue and reducing waste.
  
  

Personal Qualities

• Self-motivated.
• Decisive.
• Exceptional team leadership skills.
• Resilient and calm under pressure.
  
  

Salary & Benefits

• Tronc (tips and gratuities distribution system) via an elected troncmaster.
• NEST pension.
• Free meals while on duty at the site, from the 'Staff Duty Meal' options.
• Health & wellbeing cash plan, also offering discounts and perks across hundreds of retailers
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for health and well-being support from day one.
• 28 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), increasing by 1 day a year up to a maximum of 32 days.
• Staff referral bonus scheme.
  
  

Please Note

All successful candidates will be required to:

• Provide proof of their right to work in the UK.
• Hold an Airport Security ID Pass, which we will assist with. The application process requires the production of a valid passport, a criminal record check, and five years of personal and employment references.
  
  

If you meet these requirements and would like to join our team, please apply today!

Equal Opportunities

At ARE Ltd, we recognise the value of diversity and inclusivity in fostering a truly remarkable experience for all our customers. Our commitment extends beyond retail to building a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives and experiences. We believe that embracing diversity in our teams enables us to provide exceptional service and innovation.

We are dedicated to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work, with a strong commitment to promoting equity in both physical and mental health for everyone. To achieve this, we encourage applications from individuals of disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, disabled persons, LGBTQ+ community members, Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, and those with lived experiences of discrimination.

Accessibility and Adjustments

ARE Ltd is committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process. We strive to be as accommodating as possible to ensure all candidates can participate fully. If you have specific requirements or need adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please do not hesitate to get in touch. In your application, feel free to indicate your preferred pronouns (for example - she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc.) to help us better address and respect your identity throughout the process.