Sous Chef

Crystal Care; Marchwood; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Induction training

Paid breaks

Uniform provided

Blue Light Card funded

Enhanced DBS funded

Refer a Friend bonus

Pay Day Breakfast

Free meal on shift

Training & development

Career progression

Job summary

Crystal Care Collection is seeking a passionate Sous Chef to help deliver nutritious, varied meals for residents. Working with the Head Chef, you’ll prepare high‑quality dishes, meet dietary needs and uphold food safety standards.

This hands-on role runs 8:00am–6:00pm on a rolling rota, averaging 35 hours weekly. We offer induction training, paid breaks, funded uniform, DBS check, and opportunities for ongoing development and career progression.

Qualifications

• Experience in a professional kitchen environment.
• Passion for nutritious, high-quality food.
• Knowledge of food hygiene and kitchen safety standards.
• Ability to work under pressure and as part of a team.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Approachable, reliable and committed to outstanding service.
• Enjoys engaging with residents to create positive dining experiences.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Chef in planning, preparing and cooking nutritious meals.
• Assist with meal service while respecting dietary needs and choices.
• Maintain HACCP, Food Safety, Health & Safety, COSHH and Environmental Health compliance.
• Keep kitchen clean, organised and hygienic.
• Ensure equipment is safe and report faults.
• Receive, check and store deliveries with stock rotation.
• Collaborate with team to maintain a positive environment.
• Participate in meetings and training for continuous improvement.
• Support Lifestyle Team with food-related activities and events.

Skills

Professional kitchen experience

Nutritious, high-quality food

Food hygiene & kitchen safety

Works well under pressure

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Team player

Resident engagement

Job description

Create Great Food That Makes a Difference Every Day

Are you a passionate chef looking for a rewarding role where your skills can have a real impact on people's lives?

At Crystal Care Collection, we believe that exceptional dining is an essential part of exceptional care. Our residents deserve delicious, nutritious meals prepared with care, creativity and attention to detail, and we're looking for a dedicated Sous Chef to help make that happen.

Working alongside our Head Chef, you'll help deliver a first-class dining experience while supporting the smooth and safe operation of the kitchen.

About the Role

As Sous Chef, you'll assist in preparing fresh, varied and well-balanced meals that cater to residents' individual tastes and dietary requirements. You'll play a key role in maintaining the highest standards of food safety, cleanliness and organisation while supporting the wider catering team.

This is a hands-on role where you'll have the opportunity to build relationships with residents, contribute new ideas and help create memorable mealtimes that enhance wellbeing and quality of life.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in planning, preparing and cooking nutritious, high-quality meals for residents.
• Assist with meal service, ensuring residents' dietary needs, preferences and choices are respected at all times.
• Maintain compliance with HACCP, Food Safety, Health & Safety, COSHH and Environmental Health regulations.
• Keep all kitchen areas clean, organised and hygienic, following cleaning schedules and company procedures.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is maintained in safe working order and report any faults promptly.
• Receive, check and store deliveries correctly, ensuring effective stock rotation and minimal waste.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a positive and supportive team environment.
• Participate in meetings and training sessions to support continuous improvement.
• Support the Lifestyle Team with food-related activities and events that enhance the resident experience.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience working in a professional kitchen environment.
• Is passionate about producing nutritious, high-quality food.
• Has a good understanding of food hygiene and kitchen safety standards.
• Works well under pressure and enjoys being part of a team.
• Has excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Is approachable, reliable and committed to delivering outstanding service.
• Enjoys engaging with residents and helping create positive dining experiences.

Working Pattern

8:00am – 6:00pm

Permanent rolling rota of three consecutive shifts on followed by three consecutive shifts off

Average 35 hours per week

Pay

£15.62 per hour

What We Offer

• Full induction training programme
• Paid breaks
• Fully funded uniform
• Fully funded Blue Light Card
• Fully funded Enhanced DBS check
• Refer a Friend bonus scheme
• Pay Day Breakfast
• Free meal on shift
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Supportive management team with opportunities for career progression

Join Our Team

If you're a talented and enthusiastic chef who takes pride in creating exceptional food while working as part of a supportive team, we'd love to hear from you.

Your contribution will help ensure every resident enjoys nutritious meals, meaningful dining experiences and the highest quality of care.

We are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Our screening and recruitment process is conducted in line with Crystal Care Collection's Safeguarding Policy.