Sous Chef

Harpenden Springs-Catering; Hatching Green; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

1 freemeal per shift

Enhanced Bank Holiday pay

Uniform provided

Increased Annual Leave entitlement

Cycle to Work scheme

Milestone Birthdays - extra time off

Company sickpay

Refer a Friend Scheme

Recognition and staff appreciation

Long service awards

Health Cash Plan

Death in Service Benefit

Job summary

Oakland Care in Harpenden is seeking a passionate Sous Chef to assist the Head Chef in delivering nutritious, appetising meals tailored to residents’ dietary needs. Based at Harpenden Springs, you will help maintain high hygiene and safety standards while supporting a caring, resident-focused kitchen team.

The role is permanent, 40 hours per week, with day shifts across a 5-day pattern. £18.00 per hour, with benefits and opportunities to develop in care catering.

Qualifications

• Experience as Sous Chef or similar in a care setting.
• Ability to plan and prepare nutritious meals and manage dietary requirements.
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 3 desirable).
• Strong organisational skills and effective communication.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in planning and preparing nutritious, appetising meals.
• Support the delivery of varied menus that cater for special diets, allergies, and cultural preferences.
• Maintain excellent food hygiene, health and safety, and infection control standards.
• Supervise kitchen staff and support the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
• Monitor food stock levels and assist with ordering and stock control.
• Ensure all meals are served on time and to a high standard.
• Help maintain accurate records in line with CQC and food safety requirements.
• Promote a positive and collaborative working environment.

Skills

Strong organisational skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Independent working

Caring approach

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2)

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 3 desirable)

Job description

We are looking 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 health and wellbeing of our residents.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys making a real difference through food, ensuring every resident receives meals that are both enjoyable and tailored to their individual dietary needs.
We offersome excellent rewards and benefits including:

• We offer all team members 1 freemeal per shift.
• EnhancedBank Holiday pay.
• Uniform provided.
• Increased Annual Leave entitlement - team members who work with us for 3 years or more, get extra annual leave.
• Cycle to Work scheme – why not save money on commuting costs and improve your health at the same time.
• Milestone Birthdays - get EXTRA time off to celebratethat special birthday.
• Company sickpay which is over and above the statutory entitlement (subjectto length of service).
• Refer a FriendScheme for successfulreferrals- for all permanentroles within Oakland Care (T&Cs apply).
• Recognition and staff appreciation initiatives.
• Long service awards.
• Health Cash Plan (subject to T&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)

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in planning and preparing nutritious, appetising meals.
• Support the delivery of varied menus that cater for special diets, allergies, and cultural preferences.
• Maintain excellent food hygiene, health and safety, and infection control standards.
• Supervise kitchen staff and support the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
• Monitor food stock levels and assist with ordering and stock control.
• Ensure all meals are served on time and to a high standard.
• Help maintain accurate records in line with CQC and food safety requirements.
• Promote a positive and collaborative working environment.

About You

We are looking for someone who has:

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Senior Chef de Partie, or similar role.
• A passion for producing high-quality, nutritious food.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements within a care setting.
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 3 desirable).
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• The ability to work effectively within a team and independently.
• A caring, compassionate, and resident-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.