Sous Chef

Wilson Vale; Oxford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

Career development

Craft Works training

Paid training

Employee assistance

Online benefits

Birthday off

Enhanced maternity pay

Job summary

Wilson Vale is recruiting a Sous Chef to join our team at an Oxford venue. This permanent role is based on a 40-hour week with TOIL to balance workload; shifts run from 6am to midnight and require flexibility for events.

You will lead a brigade, oversee daily kitchen operations, train staff, and ensure menus meet Wilson Vale standards. You will work closely with the Senior Sous Chef, Head Chef and Executive Head Chef to deliver high‑quality service in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Oversee daily operation of the kitchen.
• Lead and manage a brigade of chefs.
• Train and develop kitchen staff.
• Maintain high food standards per Wilson Vale brand.
• Create fresh, seasonal dishes.
• Engage with guests while service is ongoing.

Responsibilities

• Be responsible for daily kitchen operations and cooking of all dishes.
• Lead and manage brigade of chefs with strong leadership.
• Train and develop team in a supportive, professional manner.
• Ensure food standards align with Wilson Vale branding.
• Deliver fresh, seasonal and innovative dishes.

Skills

Kitchen operation

Team leadership

Staff development

Brand standards

Seasonal menus

Guest interaction

Tools

None

Job description

We are currently recruiting for a Sous Chef to join our team at one of our conference venuesin OxfordOX1 3RG.

This is a permanent position based on a 40-hour working week. However, we operate a TOIL system to help align workflow and demand with seasonal peaks and troughs. Shifts will be on a rota basis between the hours of 6am and midnight to accommodate special evening events. For this reason, flexibility is essential in this role.

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 a fresh, food-led operation open seven days a week, welcoming an average of 200 guests daily, in addition to providing hospitality services.We take great pride in the high quality of our offering, which includes daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner services featuring buffets, a salad bar, a grab-and-go section, and freshly baked goods. We also provide daily specials and host fine dining dinners, special events, and themed social gatherings. We place a strong emphasis on guest interaction during service, so you must be personable, approachable, and well presented. You will report to the Senior Sous Chef, Head Chef, and Executive Head Chef.

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.

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.