Sous Chef
Company: Distinctive Inns
Location: Sutton-in-Ashfield
Job Type: Full-Time/Part-Time, Permanent
Contracted Hours: Guaranteed 35-Hour Weekly Contract + Hourly Paid Overtime
Base Salary: Up to £15.21 per hour (£35,689.18 per annum) depending on experience
Estimated Gratuities: +£0.95 per hour (~£2,223.00 per annum in tips)
Total Package Value: Up to £37,912.18 per annum
The Opportunity
Are you a passionate hospitality professional with a positive, can-do attitude, looking for guaranteed hours, paid overtime, and clear opportunities for career progression?
Distinctive Inns is a leading, independently owned pub company in the East Midlands. We are known for providing an uncompromised approach to delivering high-quality food and drink within stylish interiors, combining comfort and atmosphere with outstanding service.
We are seeking a talented Sous Chef to join our kitchen team. We take pride in running smooth, modern operations backed by cutting-edge industry technology—from advanced reservation and rostering systems to modern procurement tools—ensuring every department works in harmony. If you thrive in a high-quality food environment and want a role where every single hour worked is paid, we want to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- Culinary Excellence: Prepare, cook, and present high-quality dishes in line with company spec sheets and standards, supporting the delivery of an exceptional dining experience.
- Kitchen Operations: Support the Head Chef with the day-to-day running of the kitchen, including preparation, stock rotation, ordering, wastage control, and maintaining efficient service.
- Team Leadership: Lead and support the kitchen team during service, helping to maintain high standards, delegate effectively, and ensure the kitchen operates smoothly during busy periods.
- Health & Safety Compliance: Maintain immaculate kitchen hygiene, food safety documentation, and allergen protocols using our digital compliance systems.
- Continuous Improvement: Participate in regular performance appraisals, training courses, and pay reviews to develop your skills and progress within the business.
Requirements
- Experience: Proven experience working as a Sous Chef or in a similar senior kitchen position within a busy, high-volume kitchen or fresh-food pub setting.
- Standards Focus: A passion for fresh ingredients, high presentation standards, and consistent quality delivery.
- Availability: Flexible and reliable, with the ability to work evenings and weekends as part of your regular working pattern, including key trading periods.
- Location & Transport: Ideally based locally or have your own reliable means of transport, allowing you to travel independently to and from the venue for all scheduled shifts.
- Communication: Excellent communication skills with a team-first mindset and the ability to lead effectively under pressure.
What We Offer
- Guaranteed Hours & Paid Overtime: A guaranteed 35-hour weekly contract with every extra hour paid—no unpaid salary overtime!
- Transparent Total Pay: A competitive hourly rate of up to £15.21/hr depending on experience, supplemented by an estimated £0.95/hr in tips (~£2,223.00/yr).
- Accredited Training & Development: Access to a wide range of nationally recognized training courses, accreditations, and qualifications to boost your CV.
- Promotion From Within: Regular pay reviews linked to performance appraisals, offering opportunities for progression into more senior kitchen and management roles.
- Modern Operations: Work with cutting-edge rostering, procurement, and kitchen management technologies.
Pay: Up to £37,912.18 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Sutton-In-Ashfield NG17 3JA: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- (A) What do you enjoy doing outside of work? (B) How might your hobbies or other commitments affect your availability?
- How do you plan to travel to and from work?
- If you're currently employed, what motivates you to leave your present role?
- How many days were you absent from work or unavailable in the past 12 months?
- How would you describe yourself in three words?
- What do you consider your strongest attributes or skills and how would they benefit our team?
- What would you say is your biggest weakness and how do you actively manage it?
- If successful, is there any area where you might need initial support or training?
- Are you available and willing to work key shifts, including Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays each week?
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Location:
- Sutton-In-Ashfield NG17 3JA (preferred)
Work Location: In person
