Sous Chef

The Woodsman; Stratford-upon-Avon; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff Room Rates

50% off dining

Fully funded Apprenticeship

Cycle to work scheme

Healthcare Cash Plans

Referral schemes

Flexible shift patterns

5-Star Service rewards

Wagestream pay access

Employee Assistance Programme

Internal communications hub

Job summary

The Woodsman Restaurant in Stratford-upon-Avon is seeking an ambitious Sous Chef to join our traditional yet contemporary British kitchen. You will work closely with the Head Chef to lead the kitchen team and develop new menu concepts in a heritage setting.

Ideal candidates have strong leadership, a passion for local ingredients, and a drive to advance toward Head Chef. Eligibility to work in the UK is required, with a supportive, 24/7 flexible operation culture and opportunities for

Qualifications

• All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
• Experience in a fast-paced luxury kitchen is preferred.
• Strong leadership and team management skills essential for a Head Chef-ready candidate.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the kitchen team and support the Head Chef.
• Develop new menu concepts and ensure dishes meet high standards.
• Maintain cleanliness, food safety and consistent quality across all service.

Job description

Situated in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, The Woodsman Restaurant offers a traditional approach to contemporary British cooking in comfortable and convivial surroundings. We work with the seasons and source our ingredients from the bountiful English countryside as sustainably as possible. We love using wild food, and harvest much of it ourselves. All the meat on our menus is ‘nose to tail’ so the menu is ever changing, and we waste nothing.

But not only is our food impressive, our surroundings are too. Dating back to 1500, our beautiful Grade II listed building was used as an Inn between 1655 to 1661 and played host to The Royal Shakespeare Club’s annual dinner from as early as 1824. The next chapter in this buildings rich history takes it back to its roots, creating a heritage dining experience where comfort and conviviality are key.

The Role:

Are you ready to take your culinary career to the next level? We are seeking ambitious and motivated Sous Chefs who have their sights set on becoming future Head Chefs. As a key member of our brigade, you will play a crucial role in our success.

If you are passionate about food and have strong leadership skills, this challenging yet rewarding role is perfect for you. You will work closely with our Head Chef to supervise the kitchen team, develop new menu concepts, and ensure that all food is prepared to the highest standards.

This is an opportunity to fine-tune your culinary and management skills, while also showcasing your creativity and vision. You will need to be hard-working, focused, inspiring, and encouraging as you support our Chef de Parties and Commis Chefs under pressure. Join us on this exciting journey and help us create memorable dining experiences for our guests.

The Ideal Candidate:

Are you a passionate Sous Chef ready to take on a new challenge in a fast-paced, luxury restaurant environment? We’re looking for someone with a strong background in working with top quality local ingredients and a dedication to delivering impeccable plates every time. Your ambition and drive will be key in supporting the Head Chef and motivating the team to continuously improve both the product and service. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to high standards of cleanliness, food hygiene, and safety, you’ll be a natural leader in the kitchen. If you have your sights set on a Head Chef role and are eager to prioritize professional development, we want to hear from you! Join our team and take your culinary career to the next level.

All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process, you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility.

• Heavily discounted Staff Room Rates at all Castlebridge properties for you and your friends and family, so everyone can enjoy a break away. Rates start from £50 per night, with breakfast included.


• 50% off your bill when you dine in one of our Restaurants or Bars.


• Fully funded Apprenticeship programme to develop your career without a reduction in your pay.


• Cycle to work scheme - save up to 40% on a wide range of bikes.


• Healthcare Cash Plans - dental, optical, medical and more available from just £1 per week.


• Referral schemes for referring your friends or family to join our team.


• Flexible shift patterns and contracts available to suit your lifestyle, we are 24/7 operation, meaning shift patterns to suit everyone.


• Monthly colleague recognition through our 5-Star Service rewards programme and monetary rewards for long service milestones.


• Use of Wagestream financial wellbeing platform, allowing you to access your pay as and when you need it.


• Employee Assistance Programme - free, confidential advice available 24/7 to you.


• An internal communications hub which acts as our very own social media platform, connecting you to your colleagues and the wider group in seconds.