Sous Chef

Hickory's Smokehouse; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 28,000 - GBP 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading restaurant chain in Gateshead is seeking a motivated Sous Chef to join its vibrant kitchen team. You'll play a critical role in supporting daily operations, maintaining food quality standards, and creating authentic BBQ dishes in a fast-paced environment. With a generous salary and tips, along with exceptional training and progression opportunities, this position is ideal for ambitious chefs looking to advance their career in a dynamic setting. Enjoy great benefits including free meals and a supportive work-life balance.

Benefits

Competitive salary and great tips

Award-winning training

Free team food

Paid time off for significant life events

25% team discount

Qualifications

• Experience in leading and developing a kitchen team.
• Ability to maintain food quality and safety standards.
• Ambition and drive to progress within the company.

Responsibilities

• Assist in leading a passionate kitchen team.
• Support daily kitchen operations and cover shifts.
• Ensure excellent food quality in a high-volume setting.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety standards

Efficiency in a fast-paced environment

Tools

USA-imported smokers

Job description

Sous Chef – Hickory’s Smokehouse

Salary up to £33,000 per year plus over £5,000 per year tip jar

Start the next chapter of your career at Hickory’s Smokehouse, proudly crowned Best Pub Employer 2025 at The Publican Awards. As the fastest-growing Southern‑style Smokehouse group in the UK, we’re all about traditional American BBQ, strong teams and real progression.

We’re looking for a Sous Chef to join our high‑energy kitchen team. You’ll support the Head Chef and Senior Sous, assist in leading the kitchen team and play a key role in delivering our fresh, authentic BBQ menu in one of the busiest restaurants in town — all while building the skills and experience to progress your career with us.

What you’ll be doing

• Assisting in leading, motivating and developing a passionate kitchen team
• Supporting the day‑to‑day running of the kitchen and covering shifts when needed
• Maintaining excellent food quality, consistency and safety standards
• Delivering brand‑led BBQ in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment
• Showing ambition, drive and a desire to progress your career within Hickory’s

Why Hickory’s?

• Competitive salary and great tips
• £250k bespoke‑built kitchen with USA‑imported smokers
• Award‑winning training & clear progression opportunities
• Free team food on shift & a birthday meal on us – huge BBQ menu with endless possibilities
• Christmas Day off
• Paid time off for life’s big moments (weddings, first day at school, moving into your first home & more)
• 25% team discount across Hickory’s (rising to 50% with loyal service)
• 24/7 wellbeing support & a culture that truly values work–life balance

If this sounds like your kind of kitchen, click Apply now and get fired up with Hickory’s Smokehouse.