At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head Chef in delivering high-quality, fresh meals and lead the kitchen when required.
- Company: Birchgrove, a vibrant community-focused organisation for people over 65.
- Benefits: No late nights, free meals on shift, healthcare cashback, and electric car scheme.
- Other info: Enjoy a better work-life balance and real opportunities for development and progression.
- Why this job: Cook with purpose in a calm, supportive kitchen environment that values quality over speed.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie with a passion for fresh food.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 31000 £ per year.
- Sous Chef / Senior Chef de Partie
- No Late Nights | Better Work-Life Balance | Godalming, Surrey
Looking for a role where you can still cook great food - but without the late nights, split shifts and constant pressure?
At Birchgrove, we’re doing things differently.
This is a Sous Chef / Senior Chef de Partie role within a calm, well-structured kitchen, where you can focus on quality, consistency and building relationships - rather than chasing back-to-back services.
Why this role is different
✔ No late nights ✔ Consistent shifts and better work-life balance ✔ Cooking fresh, seasonal food from scratch ✔ A calm, organised kitchen environment ✔ Time to focus on quality - not just speed
You’ll still be hands-on, leading, cooking and maintaining high standards - but within a setting that feels more structured, supportive and purposeful.
About Birchgrove
At Birchgrove, we create vibrant communities for people over 65, where food plays a huge part in daily life.
You’re not cooking for covers - you’re cooking for residents. That means building relationships, understanding preferences, and creating meals that genuinely matter.
Pepperpot House in Godalming is a beautiful, modern neighbourhood set in the heart of the Surrey Hills.
- What you’ll be doing
- Supporting the Head Chef in delivering high-quality, fresh meals
- Preparing and cooking dishes from scratch
- Helping shape seasonal menus and specials
- Maintaining high standards in food safety and hygiene
- Supporting stock control, waste reduction and kitchen organisation
- Leading the kitchen when required
- What we’re looking for
- Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie
- Passion for fresh, seasonal food
- Calm, organised and reliable under pressure
- A team player who supports others
- Someone who enjoys being part of a community
- Why join Birchgrove
- A genuinely supportive, people-first culture
- The chance to cook with purpose and make a difference
- Real opportunity for development and progression
- A stable, well-run kitchen environment
- Free meals on shift
- Healthcare cashback scheme
- Electric car scheme
If you’re looking for a role where you can step away from the usual hospitality pressures, but still take pride in great food and a well-run kitchen, we’d love to hear from you.
Please feel free to drop in for a coffee and a chat if you are interested.
Kitchen Assistant in Godalming 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.
