Sous Chef

Hallmark Care Homes; Esher; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free uniform

Blue Light Card

Joining bonus (some homes)

Annual salary reviews

Induction and ongoing training

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Hallmark Luxury Care Homes in Esher invites a skilled Sous Chef to lead the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence, crafting wholesome, seasonal menus and ensuring top quality and safety. You will work within budget, supervise stock, and contribute to ongoing training and development.

The role emphasizes warm resident engagement, culinary creativity, and strong HACCP hygiene practices, with opportunities for career advancement within Hallmark's growing estate.

Qualifications

• Warm and personable with residents' wellbeing in mind.
• Holds City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent culinary qualifications.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP and hygiene practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef, fostering a warm and efficient atmosphere.
• Assist in creating innovative and enticing menus for residents.
• Prepare fresh, wholesome dishes using seasonal ingredients.
• Manage budget and stock within constraints while maintaining quality.
• Conduct regular audits to uphold culinary standards and safety.

Skills

People skills

Nutrition knowledge

Creativity

Food safety HACCP

Education

City & Guilds / NVQ / SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Craft Culinary Delights: Join Our Bighearted Team as a Sous Chef at Hallmark Luxury Care Homes and serve up joyful dining experiences. As part of our growth plan, Hallmark Esher Residences is expanding with a 37-bed Grade II listed home and a new 20-bed property, enhancing our residential, nursing, and dementia care across Surrey. We are dedicated to cherishing every moment and delivering outstanding care across all our homes.

As a family‑run provider, we nurture relationships and place values at the heart of our care. Since 1997, Hallmark has delivered high‑quality care across England and Wales, supported by a dedicated team and innovative facilities.

The Ideal Sous Chef

• Warm and Personable: Genuinely cares for residents’ well‑being and fosters a welcoming dining environment.
• Culinary Qualifications: Holds City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent culinary qualifications.
• Nutrition Enthusiast: Demonstrates a good understanding of nutrition and the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Engagement: Designs appetising, nutritious menus in consultation with residents.
• Food Safety: Maintains strong knowledge of HACCP standards and hygiene.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Kitchen Leadership: Manage the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef, fostering a warm and efficient atmosphere.
• Menu Development: Assist in creating innovative and enticing menus that delight residents.
• Creative Culinary Crafting: Use fresh produce to craft high‑quality, wholesome dishes.
• Budget Management: Work within budget constraints while maintaining stock control.
• Quality Assurance: Conduct regular audits to uphold culinary and food safety standards.

Benefits & What You Can Expect

Enjoy a remarkable work‑life balance with no evenings and every other weekend off. We offer competitive pay, ongoing training, and career development opportunities, plus a range of benefits designed to support your physical, mental, and financial well‑being.

• Competitive pay (Real Living Wage Employer or above)

• Annual salary reviews

• Joining bonus available in some homes

• Enhanced pay for working bank holidays (in care homes)

• Refer a Friend Scheme (earn up to £1000 per successful referral)

• Westfield Cash back plan enrolment

• Excellent induction and ongoing professional training & career development pathways

• Free Nurse PIN subscription renewal & Free RCNi Nurse subscription (if required)

Extra Perks

• Free uniform

• Free Blue Light Card

Reap the Rewards

• Valued as our greatest asset: be part of a values‑driven company

• Skyrocket your career with industry‑leading training

• Wellness matters: pension, life assurance, and optional healthcare

• Exclusive perks: Hallmark Rewards

• Balanced work‑life integration

Equal Opportunity & How to Apply

Hallmark Luxury Care Homes is committed to equal opportunity in employment and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We are happy to consider reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. For requests, contact the recruitment team at 01277 655655 or [e-mail]