Junior Sous Chef
Milton Keynes
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 Junior 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:
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
About You:
6. Experience as a Senior Chef in a high-volume kitchen
7. Passion for food and pride in what you cook
8. Positive attitude and strong team ethic
9. Looking for stability, progression and a great work–life balance
Thank You’s & Benefits:
10. A generous Junior Sous Chef package of up to £37,000 per year including Tip Jar!
11. £250k bespoke-built kitchen with USA-imported smokers
12. Award-winning training & clear progression opportunities
13. Free team food on shift & a birthday meal on us – Huge BBQ menu with endless possibilities!
14. Christmas Day off
15. Paid time off for life’s big moments (weddings, first day at school, moving into your first home & more)
16. 25% team discount across Hickory’s (Rising to 50% with loyal service)
17. 24/7 wellbeing support & a culture that truly values work–life balance
18. Road trips to the Southern States, Europe & UK and stacks of enrichment opportunities
19. Our pledge to a work-life balance – monitoring & managing through our Red
20. A chance to ‘give a bit back’ with fundraising activities for Cash For Kids
21. Up to £1000 for you – through the refer a friend scheme