We are currently recruiting for a Sous Chef to join our team at one of our conference venues in Birmingham B4 7ET.
This is a permanent position working 40 hours per week, 5 out of 7 days. You'll work a variety of shifts between the hours of 6:00am and 9:30pm, including 6:00am to 2:30pm, 7:00am to 3:30pm, 10:00am to 6:30pm, 11:00am to 7:30pm, and 1:00pm to 9:30pm.
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 conference venues with the same high-end ethos throughout.
We are looking for an experienced, passionate and motivated Sous Chef to join our friendly and supportive team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a talented chef who enjoys leading by example, thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in producing exceptional food while supporting the development of others.
Our site serves around 300 customers each day from a population of approximately 500, delivering breakfast, lunch and dinner services alongside a varied hospitality offering. We cater for everything from plated and buffet breakfasts, buffet lunches and à la carte dining to VIP events, private dinners for 10 to 220 guests, BBQs for 40 to 200 guests and buffet events for up to 300 people. No two days are the same, offering an exciting and varied role for an ambitious chef.
As Sous Chef, you will support the Head Chef in overseeing the day-to-day culinary operation, ensuring every service is delivered to the highest standards. You'll lead by example in the kitchen, supervise and develop the team, oversee food preparation and presentation, and ensure all contractual requirements are met. You'll also play a key role in maintaining Wilson Vale's high standards of food safety, health and safety, and customer satisfaction while encouraging creativity and continuous improvement within the kitchen.
To succeed in this role, you'll have strong culinary skills, excellent organisational abilities and a calm, positive approach under pressure. You'll be an effective communicator with a passion for fresh food, an eye for detail and the ability to inspire and support your team to consistently deliver outstanding results.
- Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day management of the kitchen.
- Lead and motivate the kitchen team, ensuring high standards throughout every service.
- Prepare and deliver fresh, high-quality food across breakfast, lunch, dinner and hospitality events.
- Oversee your team to ensure food quality, presentation and consistency.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, HACCP, COSHH and health and safety procedures.
- Monitor stock, ordering, food cost control and minimise waste.
- Support the training and development of junior chefs.
- Deliver exceptional service while meeting client expectations and contractual requirements.
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef or an experienced Chef de Partie ready to progress.
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, COSHH and food safety legislation.
- Good understanding of food costing and stock control.
- Calm and organised under pressure.
- Creative approach to menu development and presentation.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Resourceful with strong problem-solving abilities.
- Passion for fresh food and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
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.
