Brand-New Care Home Sous Chef — Lead Kitchen & Menus

Orders of St. John Care Trust; Melksham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday (incl. Bank Holidays)

Free uniform

Free DBS

Higher weekend rates

Employee Assistance Programme

Refer a Friend up to £1,000

Blue Light Card and My Rewards

Job summary

Orders of St. John Care Trust seeks an experienced Sous Chef for Melksham Gardens, a brand-new 80-bed care home opening in 2027. You’ll join a developing kitchen team, shaping menus, standards and dining experiences from day one.

You’ll lead a busy kitchen, work with the Executive Chef and ensure exceptional food quality, cost control, and resident satisfaction in a budding home environment.

Qualifications

• 706-2/3 qualification or equivalent (or Cookery Level 3).
• 1–2 years’ experience in a fine-dining catering environment.
• Excellent knowledge of culinary ingredients and practices.
• Experience using processes and planning to deliver high-quality food and hospitality standards.
• Good financial awareness around food costing and budget management.
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and public holidays as required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a first-class dining and hospitality experience for residents.
• Support day-to-day management of the catering service with the Executive Chef.
• Lead, motivate and develop kitchen colleagues to perform at their best.
• Contribute to menu planning, food preparation and service for residents.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and safety; manage food costs.
• In the absence of the Executive Chef, cover their duties and ensure smooth kitchen operation.
• Help establish the kitchen team and processes for Melksham Gardens.

Skills

Culinary skills

Leadership

Food safety

Budgeting

Driving licence

Education

706-2/3 qualification

Cookery Level 3

Job description

Orders of St. John Care Trust seeks an experienced Sous Chef for Melksham Gardens, a brand-new 80-bed care home opening in 2027. You’ll join a developing kitchen team, shaping menus, standards and dining experiences from day one.

You’ll lead a busy kitchen, work with the Executive Chef and ensure exceptional food quality, cost control, and resident satisfaction in a budding home environment.