Sous Chef

Harpenden Springs-Catering; Hatching Green; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meal per shift

Enhanced Bank Holiday pay

Uniform provided

Increased Annual Leave entitlement

Cycle to Work scheme

Milestone Birthdays time off

Company sickpay

Refer a Friend scheme

Health Cash Plan

Death in Service Benefit

Long service awards

Job summary

Oakland Care is seeking a passionate Sous Chef to join our Harpenden Springs kitchen, supporting the Head Chef in delivering nutritious, resident-focused meals. You will supervise kitchen staff, manage menus for dietary needs, and ensure quality, hygiene and safety across every shift.

You will work 40 hours per week on a permanent contract, with days across a 5-day pattern, and a focus on teamwork, care, and high standards of food presentation and service.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or similar role in a care setting.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements for residents with various needs.
• Strong hygiene and safety practices in a kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Chef in planning and preparing nutritious meals.
• Support varied menus for special diets and allergies.
• Maintain food hygiene, safety and infection control standards.
• Supervise kitchen staff and day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Monitor stock levels and assist with ordering and stock control.
• Ensure meals are served on time and of high quality.
• Maintain records aligned with CQC and food safety rules.
• Foster a positive, collaborative kitchen environment.

Skills

Sous Chef experience

Senior Chef de Partie experience

Dietary requirements knowledge

Food hygiene knowledge

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate desirable

Job description

We arelooking for a passionate and experienced Sous Chef to join our friendly team at our beautiful home in Harpenden. Working alongside the Head Chef,you will help deliver high-quality, nutritious meals that support the healthand wellbeing of our residents.

This is arewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys making a real difference throughfood, ensuring every resident receives meals that are both enjoyable andtailored to their individual dietary needs.

We offersome excellent rewards and benefits including:

• We offer all team members 1freemeal per shift.
• EnhancedBank Holiday pay.
• Uniform provided.
• Increased Annual Leaveentitlement - team members who work with us for 3 years or more, get extraannual leave.
• Cycle to Work scheme – why notsave money on commuting costs and improve your health at the same time.
• Milestone Birthdays - get EXTRAtime off to celebratethat special birthday.
• Company sickpay which isover and above the statutory entitlement (subjectto length ofservice).
• Refer a FriendScheme forsuccessfulreferrals- for all permanentroles withinOakland Care (T&C's apply).
• Recognition and staffappreciation initiatives.
• Long service awards.
• Health Cash Plan (subject toT&Cs).
• Death in Service Benefit(subject to T&Cs).

And much more…..

Location:Harpenden Springs, 22-24 Grove Road, Harpenden AL5 1PX

Hours: 40 hours per week

Pay: £18.00 per hour

Contract:Permanent

Shift:Days (5 days across 7, includes some weekends)

KeyResponsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in planningand preparing nutritious, appetising meals.
• Support the delivery of variedmenus that cater for special diets, allergies, and cultural preferences.
• Maintain excellent food hygiene,health and safety, and infection control standards.
• Supervise kitchen staff andsupport the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
• Monitor food stock levels andassist with ordering and stock control.
• Ensure all meals are served ontime and to a high standard.
• Help maintain accurate recordsin line with CQC and food safety requirements.
• Promote a positive andcollaborative working environment.

About You

We arelooking for someone who has:

• Previous experience as a SousChef, Senior Chef de Partie, or similar role.
• A passion for producinghigh-quality, nutritious food.
• Knowledge of dietaryrequirements within a care setting.
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate(Level 3 desirable).
• Strong organisational andcommunication skills.
• The ability to work effectivelywithin a team and independently.
• A caring, compassionate, andresident-focused approach.

If you are a dedicated chef who takes pride in creating exceptional meals and would like to join a team that values care,compassion, and quality, we would love to hear from you.

Oakland Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults. All successful applicants will be subject to appropriate employment and DBS checks.