At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious meals and enhance the dining experience for our vibrant community.
- Company: Birchgrove, a leading name in later living with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, complimentary lunch, health perks, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a warm, collaborative team dedicated to making a difference.
- Why this job: Cook with purpose and build meaningful relationships in a supportive kitchen environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, creativity, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30348 - 37092 £ per year.
About Birchgrove: At Birchgrove, we’re creating something genuinely special - vibrant communities designed exclusively for people over 65, where later life can be full of connection, independence and joy. Food plays a huge part in that. It’s not just about service - it’s about moments of comfort, celebration, and bringing people together every day.
The Role: We’re looking for a warm, passionate and talented Sous Chef to join our kitchen team. Working closely with our Head Chef, you’ll help shape a dining experience that feels personal, fresh and full of care. This is a role for someone who loves good food, enjoys being part of a close-knit team, and values getting to know the people they cook for. At Birchgrove, you’re not cooking for covers - you’re cooking for residents. If you thrive in a kitchen where quality matters, creativity is encouraged, and relationships are at the heart of the work, we’d love to hear from you.
The Person: We’re looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about food and proud of every plate that leaves the kitchen
- Confident preparing fresh, seasonal dishes from scratch
- Calm, organised and able to juggle a busy service with a smile
- Naturally warm and friendly - someone who enjoys being part of a community
- Creative and open to new ideas, menus and ways of doing things
- A great communicator and supportive team player
- Committed to making a real difference to the lives of our residents
- Aligned with Birchgrove’s values and approach to hospitality
- Confident in following structured processes, including HACCP and food safety procedures
What You’ll Be Doing: No two days are the same, but you’ll be:
- Supporting the Head Chef to deliver delicious, thoughtful meals that residents genuinely look forward to
- Helping create a dining experience that feels welcoming, personal and high-quality
- Playing a key role in preparation, cooking and service - keeping standards consistently high
- Bringing ideas to the table for seasonal menus, special events and new dishes
- Taking pride in kitchen organisation, stock, waste reduction and smooth daily running
- Keeping food safety, hygiene and compliance at the heart of everything you do
- Being part of a positive kitchen culture - collaborative, respectful and supportive
- Stepping up to lead the kitchen when needed during the Head Chef’s absence
Why You’ll Love Working Here: Be part of something meaningful - food is central to community life at Birchgrove. Room to grow - we invest in development and progression. A supportive team environment - warm, professional and people-first. Great benefits, including:
- Complimentary lunch cooked by our chefs
- Health Care Cash Back Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
- Competitive pay and perks
- Inclusive and welcoming culture - everyone belongs here
- A leading name in later living - proud to be setting the standard in the UK
If you’re looking for a role where you can cook with purpose, build relationships, and be part of a community from the inside out, we’d love you to apply.
Sous Chef in Ewell employer: Birchgrove
Birchgrove is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its colleagues and residents, fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we offer numerous opportunities for advancement within our innovative build-to-rent operations tailored for the over 65s. Located in a vibrant community, working with us means making a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Ewell
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Birchgrove. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Birchgrove
Don't be shy about reaching out to Birchgrove directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Ewell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Birchgrove and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birchgrove
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
