Sous Chef

Contract Options; Newport; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical aid

Overtime in lieu

Weekends off

Public transport access

Creative freedom

Resident relations

Job summary

Contract Options is seeking a Sous Chef or Head Chef for an exclusive a la carte restaurant in a prestigious senior living residence in Saffron Walden (Essex). The role offers creative leadership in menu planning, high-quality dish development, and a focus on nutritious, well-balanced meals for residents.

Strong ownership of kitchen operations is essential. You will oversee daily kitchen activities, contribute to seasonal menus, and ensure excellent dining experiences while maintaining safety

Qualifications

• Strong a la carte cooking skills and a creative approach to menu development.
• Good understanding of nutrition, allergens and dietary requirements.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage a kitchen independently.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operation of the a la carte kitchen with high standards of food quality and presentation.
• Create, develop and contribute ideas to seasonal menus and daily specials.
• Prepare and deliver fresh, high-quality meals for 30–40 covers per day.
• Ensure dietary requirements and allergies are catered for safely and appropriately.
• Maintain food hygiene, health and safety standards across the kitchen.
• Manage stock, ordering, waste reduction and kitchen costs.

Skills

A la carte cooking

Menu development

Kitchen management

Food hygiene

Nutrition awareness

Job description

Sous Chef or Head Chef - A La Carte Restaurant

Location: Prestigious Senior Living Residence in Saffron Walden - Essex

Days Off: Friday and Saturday 5 out of 7, roughly 8.30- 3.30pm - 4.00pm but Thursdays are 10:(phone number removed) hours per week

We are seeking a talented and passionate Sous Chef or Head Chef to lead the kitchen of an exclusive a la carte restaurant within a prestigious senior living residence. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative chef who takes pride in producing high-quality, freshly prepared dishes and wants the freedom to contribute ideas and influence the menu.

Catering for approximately 30-40 covers per day, the restaurant offers a more personal and quality-focused dining experience, where excellent food, presentation and consistency are at the heart of everything.

What's on Offer?

• £35000k to £40000k per annum
• Friday and Saturday off every week, offering an excellent work-life balance.
• Off over Christmas and bank holidays
• Overtime paid in Lieu
• Private medical aid
• Easy access by public transport 10 minute walk from the train station
• Creative freedom and meaningful input into menu planning and development.
• The opportunity to build relationships with residents and make a real difference through food.

The Role

As our Sous Chef or Head Chef, you will oversee the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring residents enjoy an exceptional dining experience through carefully prepared, seasonal and appealing menus. You will have the opportunity to bring your own personality and creativity to the kitchen, with genuine input into menu planning, daily specials and new dishes.

Working in a refined residential setting, you will balance culinary creativity with the importance of providing nutritious, well-balanced meals that meet the varied preferences and dietary requirements of residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operation of the a la carte kitchen, maintaining consistently high standards of food quality and presentation.
• Create, develop and contribute ideas to seasonal menus, daily specials and new dishes.
• Prepare and deliver fresh, high-quality meals for approximately 30-40 covers per day.
• Ensure all dietary requirements, allergies and special requests are catered for safely and appropriately.
• Maintain excellent food hygiene, health and safety standards throughout the kitchen.
• Manage stock control, ordering, waste reduction and kitchen costs.
• Organise food preparation and service efficiently, maintaining a clean and professional working environment.
• Work collaboratively with the wider team to deliver a welcoming and memorable dining experience for residents.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a Sous Chef or Head Chef who is passionate about good food, enjoys working with fresh ingredients and takes pride in delivering restaurant-quality dishes.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience in a quality restaurant, hotel, private dining or similar catering environment.
• Strong a la carte cooking skills and a creative approach to menu development.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a kitchen independently.
• A good understanding of nutrition, allergens and special dietary requirements.
• A positive, professional attitude and a genuine passion for hospitality.
• The confidence to bring new ideas to the table and take ownership of the kitchen.

If you are a motivated Sous Chef or Head Chef looking for a role that combines culinary creativity, responsibility and a better work-life balance, we would love to hear from you.

Bring your passion, creativity and ideas to a kitchen where great food and exceptional hospitality truly matter