Sous Chef

Blue Arrow; Crowborough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service in Crowborough is seeking a Sous Chef to support kitchen operations and lead the team. This role offers daytime shifts, a friendly culture, and opportunities for growth within a healthcare charity. Responsibilities include menu planning, food preparation, and maintaining health standards. The ideal candidate will have professional chef qualifications and a positive approach to learning. Benefits include premium shift rates and healthcare perks.

Benefits

Premium shift rates

Free BUPA Private Medical Insurance

Westfield Health Cash Plan

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• City & Guilds 706 Level 2, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent required.
• Food Safety Level 2 certification is necessary.
• Experience working in a busy kitchen environment needed.

Responsibilities

• Support the smooth running of daily kitchen operations.
• Lead the team when the Head Chef is away.
• Prepare and present nutritious meals to a high standard.

Skills

Professional chef qualifications: City & Guilds 706 Level 2, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Food Safety Level 2 certification

Experience in a busy or structured kitchen environment

Confident communicator with natural leadership qualities

Interest in menu planning and modern dietary trends

Proactive, positive approach to learning and improvement

Education

City & Guilds 706 Level 2, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Job description

Looking to use your culinary flair in a role that offers stability, purpose, and a healthier work-life balance?

Our client is giving talented chefs the chance to step away from the intensity of commercial kitchens and bring their skills into a calm, supportive environment where quality truly matters.

As Sous Chef, you'll work closely with the Head Chef and Corporate Catering Manager to help deliver a smooth, efficient kitchen service. You'll play a key part in shaping menus that promote wellbeing, support recovery, and provide freshly prepared meals for both patients and staff. When required, you'll also take the lead in the kitchen, ensuring high standards are maintained throughout the day.

Why This Role Is Different

• Daytime shifts only - enjoy your evenings again
• Friendly, collaborative culture - a team that values respect and quality
• Room to grow - ongoing training within a well‑respected healthcare charity
• Purpose-led cooking - your food directly supports patient health
• Excellent benefits - enhanced pension, healthcare perks, and more

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting the smooth running of daily kitchen operations
• Stepping in to lead the team when the Head Chef is away
• Preparing and presenting nutritious meals to a high standard
• Sharing creative ideas for menus that meet dietary and clinical needs
• Ensuring all food safety and organisational policies are followed
• Managing stock levels, ordering supplies, and maintaining accurate records

What We're Looking For

• Professional chef qualifications: City & Guilds 706 Level 2, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
• Food Safety Level 2 certification
• Experience working in a busy or structured kitchen environment
• Confident communicator with natural leadership qualities
• Interest in menu planning and modern dietary trends
• A proactive, positive approach to learning and improvement
• Someone who embodies our values of Caring, Friendly, Quality, Integrity and Pride
• Contract: Permanent, 37.5 hours per week
• Shift Pattern: 5 days out of 7, between 6.30am - 6.30pm
• Benefits: Premium shift rates, free BUPA Private Medical Insurance, Westfield Health Cash Plan, Cycle to Work Scheme, and more

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.