Sous Chef

Crystal Care Homes (2) Limited; Peacehaven; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full induction training programme

Uniform provided

Blue Light Card

Enhanced DBS check

Refer a Friend bonus scheme

Pay Day Breakfast

Free meal on shift

Ongoing training

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Crystal Care Collection is seeking a passionate Sous Chef in Peacehaven to work with our Head Chef, delivering nutritious, varied meals for residents while upholding high standards of food safety and kitchen cleanliness.

This hands-on role involves serving residents, maintaining hygiene, and supporting the catering team. The position offers a rolling shift pattern (8:00am–6:00pm), averaging 35 hours per week, with pay at £18.22 per hour and no sponsorship available.

Qualifications

• Experience in a professional kitchen.
• Passion for nutritious, high-quality food.
• Understanding of food hygiene and kitchen safety.
• Ability to work well under pressure and in a team.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Support Head Chef in planning, preparing and cooking nutritious meals for residents.
• Assist with meal service while respecting dietary needs and choices.
• Maintain HACCP, Food Safety, Health & Safety, COSHH and Environmental Health compliance.
• Keep kitchen areas clean, organised and hygienic according to schedules.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is safe and promptly reported faults.
• Receive, check and store deliveries with effective stock rotation and minimal waste.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a positive 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.

Skills

Professional kitchen experience

Nutritious cooking

Food hygiene

Team player

Organised

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

£18.22 per hour

What We Offer

• Full induction training programme
• 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.