Senior Sous Chef

Acorn Pubs; Witney; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Basic up to £38k plus tronc

Management Bonus Scheme

Great cash tips

Free meals on shift

30% staff discount across pubs and our

Job summary

The Blue Boar in Witney, part of Acorn Pubs, is about to relaunch after a major refurbishment, and we are seeking a Senior Sous Chef to join ahead of the relaunch. This is a pivotal chance to shape a fresh kitchen culture and an exciting new food offer.

Working closely with the Head Chef, you’ll help shape menus, mentor the brigade, uphold exceptional standards and deliver a memorable dining experience for every guest.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in catering and hospitality in pubs/hotels essential.
• Ability to shape menus and lead a brigade with energy and vision.
• Strong leadership and team-building mindset.

Responsibilities

• Run the kitchen in collaboration with the Head Chef.
• Shape menus and develop the brigade for relaunch.
• Maintain exceptional standards and deliver memorable dining experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Creativity

Fresh seasonal cooking

Team development

Job description

The Blue Boar is about to begin an exciting new chapter — and we’re looking for an ambitious Senior Sous Chef to be part of it.

As part of a major investment programme across the Acorn Pubs estate, The Blue Boar will soon close for a significant refurbishment before reopening with a fresh new look and renewed ambition. This is a unique opportunity for a talented Senior Sous Chef to join ahead of the relaunch and play a key role in building something special.

Acorn Pubs is part of Brunning & Price, one of the UK’s most respected pub operators, renowned for creating exceptional pubs with character, quality food and drink, and outstanding hospitality.

Located in the heart of Witney, The Blue Boar has long been a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Following a significant investment, the pub will reopen with an enhanced guest experience and an exciting opportunity to create a food offering that reflects the quality and standards Acorn Pubs is known for.

We’re looking for a Senior Sous Chef who brings energy, creativity and strong leadership to the kitchen. Someone who is passionate about fresh, seasonal cooking, takes pride in developing others, and wants to be part of creating a successful kitchen team from the very beginning.

Working closely with the Head Chef, you’ll help shape menus, support the development of the brigade, maintain exceptional standards, and play a key role in delivering a memorable dining experience for every guest.

This is much more than a traditional Senior Sous Chef position. It’s an opportunity to join a major pub relaunch, influence kitchen culture, grow your career, and make your mark on a much-loved destination from day one.

For a chef who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys taking ownership, and wants to be part of an exciting new future for The Blue Boar, this is an exceptional opportunity.

Our Offer

• Basic up to £38kplus tronc (that’s your card tips that are paid into your bank).
• Opportunity to earn an additional £1.5k on the Management Bonus Scheme
• Great cash tips.

The Extras

• We know you work hard so we feed you well - free meals on shift, choose from the menu!
• 30% discount for you, your friends and family across Acorn Pubs, Brunning & Price and our group including wagamama and selected airport pubs and restaurants.
• It’s never too early to start saving for the future with a NEST pension.
• Protection for your family with life assurance.
• Great discounts via Perks on Tapsaving you money on everyday purchases and more.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• £1,000 referral bonus for introducing new Managers or Chefsto the company.
• Wagestream - use flexiblepay to choose when to get paid.

Your Wellbeing – it’s important to us!

• Free 24-hour confidential legal and information helpline for you and your family.
• Bespoke wellbeing support offering free counselling for all crew.
• Access to health checks and virtual GP appointments.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Plenty of social get togethers – it’s not all work and no play.
• Recognition platform with regular thankyous.

We want you to grow with us!

Superb internal and external development programmes to support your progress.

Earn while you learn - we partner with national training provider HIT to support our work-based Level 4 Senior Culinary Chef apprenticeships.

Advanced Leadership Skills course enhancing self-awareness and soft skills.

We encourage movement between our pubs so you can have a long-term career with us.

About you

Previous experience in catering and hospitality in a restaurant, gastro pub or hotel at junior sous, sous or kitchen manager level is essential, as well as a positive attitude. Working alongside the Head Chef you’ll be responsible for running the kitchen, driving the food culture and keeping your team and our customers engaged with exciting new dishes.

About Acorn Pubs

• A collection of 10 pubs, 6 of which have bedrooms.
• Our wider company, Brunning and Price, includes 79 pubs across the country.
• A company with heart, where individuality, personality and diversity are encouraged.
• A company committed to reducing our carbon footprint, working sustainably and supporting our local communities.
• @brunningandpricecareers