Sous Chef – Hickory’s Smokehouse Gateshead
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 new 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
* Road trips to the Southern States, Europe & UK and stacks of enrichment opportunities
* A chance to ‘give a bit back’ with fundraising activities for Cash For Kids
* Up to £500 for you – through the refer a friend scheme
About You:
* Experience as a Chef in a high-volume kitchen
* Passion for food and pride in what you cook
* Positive attitude and strong team ethic
* Looking for stability, progression and a great work–life balance
If this sounds like your kind of kitchen, click Apply now and get fired up with Hickory’s Smokehouse.
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