Sous Chef

Great Northern Market; Wythenshawe; On-site; GBP 23,419 - 26,174; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NEST pension

Free meals on duty

Health & wellbeing cash plan

Employee Assistance Programme

28 days annual leave

Staff referral bonus

Job summary

ARE Ltd is seeking a committed Sous Chef to join our UK airport outlets, assisting the Head Chef in delivering high‑standard cuisine and customer service at busy, family‑friendly sites.

The role focuses on team leadership, stock control, and compliance with health and safety regulations to maintain outstanding dining experiences for all customers.

Qualifications

• Extensive senior-level kitchen experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Airport-based hospitality experience preferred.
• Ability to manage health and safety and food preparation concerns.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth service of high standards, particularly in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Support the Head Chef with stock control and ordering.
• Oversee, coach, and guide the team to ensure outstanding customer service while adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Prepare staff rotas and allocate tasks during shift briefs.
• Assist with recruitment, induction and training of new team members and provide feedback on development.
• Motivate the team through effective communication and feedback.
• Address staff concerns or provide corrective feedback promptly.
• Keep management informed of key issues during shifts.
• Collaborate with front-of-house to ensure excellent customer service.

Skills

Leadership

Stock control

Health & safety

Team motivation

Communication

Education

Advanced Food Hygiene certificate (desirable)

Job description

Overview

We are a family‑run UK business operating food and beverage outlets at airports, delivering exceptional experiences for all our customers. We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic Sous Chef to join our team. The site has a lively, family‑friendly atmosphere, and our people are central to the success of our restaurants.

The Role

As Sous Chef, you’ll assist the Head Chef in managing the kitchen and ensure that food is prepared to the highest standards. You will be a reliable, hardworking, and enthusiastic team player, passionate about food and beverages and dedicated to providing exceptional customer dining experiences.

Main Duties

• Ensure smooth service of high standards, particularly in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Support the Head Chef with stock control and ordering.
• Oversee, coach, and guide the team to ensure outstanding customer service, while adhering to health and safety and hygiene regulations.
• Prepare staff rotas and ensure clear task allocation during shift briefs.
• Support recruitment, induction, and training of new team members and provide feedback on team development.
• Motivate the team through effective communication and feedback.
• Address staff concerns or provide corrective feedback in a timely manner.
• Keep the wider management team informed of any key issues during shifts.
• Work collaboratively with front‑of‑house colleagues to ensure excellent customer service.

Requirements

We are looking for an experienced, self‑motivated, and enthusiastic individual who is flexible with shift patterns and willing to undertake a variety of duties as needed.

Preferred Criteria

• Qualifications: Advanced Food Hygiene certificate (desirable but not essential).
• Relevant Experience: Extensive senior‑level kitchen experience with leadership responsibility; familiarity with airport‑based hospitality settings; proven ability to assess and address health and safety or food preparation concerns.
• 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 and able to engage others while working 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

£17.43 per hour.

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— and the application process requires the production of a valid passport, a criminal record check, and five years of personal and employment references.

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.