Developing a career in catering or looking to explore how your culinary skills can be put to good use? Sous Chef roles are available around the UK. Whether you’re looking for full-time work in a restaurant or shift work in a specialist cuisine, there are plenty of opportunities available. Here, we will explore what to expect from your day-to-day as a Sous Chef, similar job roles, and how to apply for this line of work.
What is a Sous Chef?
A Sous Chef is the second-in-command in any professional kitchen, behind the Head Chef. This role is a specialist role that requires experience, excellent culinary skills, and strong management skills. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality control of your dishes, as well as managing stations and supporting kitchen activities. Not only will you need to assist with the maintenance of the kitchen, but also the planning and scheduling requirements including chef rotas, menu alterations, and other essential professional kitchen decision making. You will also be required to provide training and mentorship to others within your kitchen, including upskilling culinary skills, training specialist meals, and other essential skills required in the kitchen.
Sous Chef roles are available across the UK, offering a range of different contract types so you can find a job that suits your lifestyle and financial needs. Whether you’re looking for a full-time position to help you develop your career into a Head Chef position or flexible working arrangements that fit around your family commitments, there are plenty of Sous Chef roles around the UK. Due to the unconventional hours required in hospitality and catering, you might be expected to work evenings and weekends – providing a variety of working hours throughout the week.
How to Become a Sous Chef?
To become a Sous Chef, you will need experience and exceptional culinary skills. Most Sous Chefs reach this level through a combination of culinary education and experience in professional kitchens – including mentorship from established Head Chefs in their fields. Experience in a variety of professional and commercial kitchens can also help you develop skills necessary for this assistant management position.
What to Put on a Sous Chef CV
When applying for these roles, you’ll want a Sous Chef CV tailored to your expertise, and even cuisine. Depending on the kitchen you’re applying for, you will need to demonstrate not only your culinary skills and experience, but also your management, organisation, and team working skills.
Similar Jobs to Sous Chef
Whether you’re looking to expand your skills or find your next step towards becoming a Sous Chef, there are many jobs that use similar skills. These include Line Cook, Commis Chef, Chef de Partie (also known as a Station Cook), as well as Executive Chef or Restaurant Manager. Each of these roles require a strong understanding of kitchen operations, some culinary skill or experience, and strong managerial abilities.
Other Jobs in Hospitality and Catering
The hospitality and catering sector is a great sector for anyone looking for flexible or alternative working arrangements across the UK. Due to the demands on hospitality and catering staff, you could find shift patterns that suit your prior commitments including evening, early morning, or weekend work. This makes it perfect for students gaining experience through entry-level positions or people who prefer a scheduled rota of working. Some other roles within this sector that could suit you as a Sous Chef include Bar Manager, Restaurant Manager, Catering Manager, Host/ Hostess, or specialist Chef roles including Pastry Chef. Each of these positions draws on your strong ability to manage situations and teams, provide training and instructions, and work within a fast-paced environment comfortably.
Apply for Sous Chef Jobs Near You
Due to the high demand for exceptional culinary skills across the UK, it is easier than ever to find Sous Chef jobs near you. Whether you’re looking to work in a restaurant or a commercial building including prisons or schools, there are plenty of opportunities available across the UK within the hospitality and catering industry.
Sous Chef Job Description FAQ
Is a Sous Chef a Good Career Choice?
Yes, a Sous Chef is a good career choice for anyone with previous culinary experience who is looking to increase their responsibilities within a kitchen. Whether you’re developing for a Head Chef position or enjoy the responsibility and duties of a Sous Chef, it is a great career choice for many people within a professional kitchen.
What Skills Does a Sous Chef Need?
To become a Sous Chef, you will need culinary experience – typically both culinary education and experience in professional kitchens. However, some skills you should also be developing include:
- People management
- Communication
- Attention to detail and quality control
- Training leadership
What Are the Biggest Challenges of Being a Sous Chef?
As the second-in-command, you will be expected to manage the kitchen on behalf of the Head Chef on occasions – this can be a high-pressure role, so it requires someone who is calm under pressure. You might also be required to work unconventional working hours such as late evenings and weekends, so this role isn’t suitable for everyone.
What Personal Qualities Make a Great Sous Chef?
When it comes to succeeding in a Sous Chef role, you will need these personal qualities:
- Calm under pressure
- Fast thinker and decision maker
- High level of attention to detail
- A strong communication style
