Sous Chef - New Opening!
Gateshead
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:
1. Assisting in leading, motivating and developing a passionate kitchen team
2. Supporting the day-to-day running of the kitchen and covering shifts when needed
3. Maintaining excellent food quality, consistency and safety standards
4. Delivering brand-led BBQ in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
5. Showing ambition, drive and a desire to progress your career within Hickory’s
Why Hickory’s?
6. Competitive salary and great tips
7. £250k bespoke-built kitchen with USA-imported smokers
8. Award-winning training & clear progression opportunities
9. Free team food on shift & a birthday meal on us – Huge BBQ menu with endless possibilities
10. Christmas Day off
11. Paid time off for life’s big moments (weddings, first day at school, moving into your first home & more)
12. 25% team discount across Hickory’s (rising to 50% with loyal service)
13. 24/7 wellbeing support & a culture that truly values work–life balance
14. Road trips to the Southern States, Europe & UK and stacks of enrichment opportunities
15. A chance to ‘give a bit back’ with fundraising activities for Cash For Kids
16. Up to £500 for you – through the refer a friend scheme
About You:
17. Experience as a Chef in a high-volume kitchen
18. Passion for food and pride in what you cook
19. Positive attitude and strong team ethic
20. Looking for stability, progression and a great work–life balance
If this sounds like your kind of kitchen, click