Sous Chef

The Ideal Collection; Winchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tip sharing via TIPJAR

Fresh local meals

Private GP & Mental Health support

28 days holiday

Staff events & parking

Job summary

The Ideal Collection in Winchester is seeking a Sous Chef to lead our kitchen with heart and purpose. You will steer the brigade, maintain high standards, and deliver WOW on every plate for guests and team members.

We value courageous leadership, honest communication, and mindful teamwork. Benefits include fair pay with tips, fresh local meals, wellbeing support, generous holidays, and a clear path to Head Chef.

Qualifications

• Leadership and ability to guide a kitchen team.
• Clear communication and collaboration within the brigade.
• Efficient use of ingredients with waste minimisation.
• Ability to mentor and develop junior chefs.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations with heart and purpose.
• Maintain high culinary standards and consistency.
• Coach and develop the kitchen brigade.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Waste reduction

Team management

Job description

Lead our kitchen with heart and purpose

To reach our ambitions and truly earn our place in the hearts of ourcommunity, we’re looking for aSous Chefwho leads with heart and purpose.

At our core, we are a values-driven business. We don't just "run lines"; we live by values that put people first and focus on delivering "WOW" on every plate, every day.

What success looks like here:

• Helpful & Impactful:You don’t just cook; you deliver "WOW." Your goal is to ensure every dish makes someone’s day, whether they are a guest in the dining room or a chef on your team.
• Courageous Leadership:You have the integrity to do the right thing—even during a busy service. You lead from the pass, earning the high level of trust that defines our kitchen.
• Honest Communication:You support your brigade to succeed by speaking to them on a human level—the way you’d want to be spoken to. You ensure the kitchen is highly organised so everyone feels confident and clear.
• Resourceful Mindset:You maximise our ingredients to drive financial success, but you know our cause is more than money. You’ll lead actions that reduce waste and help improve our planet and our local community.
• Self-Aware & Mindful:You understand that your well-being is the team's well-being. You take responsibility for your own balance and encourage your chefs to do the same, keeping the kitchen healthy.
• Wholeheartedly Positive:You make the kitchen a fulfilling, happy part of the day. You work mindfully, knowing your team on a personal level and celebrating their unique culinary strengths.

Why you’ll love it here:
We are a human-led business, completely devoid of corporate fluff. We want to do the right thing by you.

• Fair Pay & Transparent Tips:Competitive salary plus an equal share of all tips, distributed through TIPJAR weekly.
• Real Food & Local Perks:No "soggy sandwiches"—we provide fresh meals using the same local produce we serve our guests. Plus, friends and family discounts across our 5 venues.
• Your Well-being First:Access to the Hospitality Rewards App, providing a private GP, Mental Health support (EAP), and shopping discounts.
• Growth & Adventure:28 days holiday (increasing with service), amazing supplier trips, and a clear career pathway to Head Chef.
• A Place to Belong:Free parking, epic staff parties, and a team of "really quite lovely" people who genuinely care.