At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a calm kitchen, cooking fresh meals and shaping seasonal menus.
- Company: Birchgrove, creating vibrant communities for over 65s with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: No late nights, free meals, healthcare cashback, and electric car scheme.
- Other info: Supportive environment with real opportunities for development and progression.
- Why this job: Cook with purpose, build relationships, and enjoy a better work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie with a passion for food.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
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.
Sous Chef / Senior Chef de Partie in Godalming employer: Birchgrove
Birchgrove is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive, people-first culture, allowing you to thrive as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a calm and structured kitchen environment. With no late nights and a focus on fresh, seasonal food, you'll enjoy a better work-life balance while making a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents in the beautiful setting of Godalming, Surrey. We offer real opportunities for development, free meals on shift, and a healthcare cashback scheme, making Birchgrove a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef / Senior Chef de Partie in Godalming
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, friends, or even past colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings at places like Birchgrove.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a dish or two to share during your interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for fresh, seasonal food and make a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! At Birchgrove, they value personality just as much as skill. Share your love for cooking and how you connect with the community through food.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef / Senior Chef de Partie in Godalming
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for fresh, seasonal food shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and how you enjoy creating meals that matter to the community.
Highlight Your Team Spirit:We’re all about collaboration at Birchgrove, so make sure to mention your experience working in a team. Talk about how you support others in the kitchen and contribute to a calm, organised environment.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We want to know who you are beyond your culinary skills. Share a bit about your journey and what drives you to work in a supportive kitchen like ours.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of joining our team, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birchgrove
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of fresh, seasonal ingredients that Birchgrove uses. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate these into your cooking and how they can enhance the dining experience for residents.
✨Show Your Passion for Community
Highlight your enthusiasm for cooking in a community setting. Share examples of how you've built relationships with diners in previous roles and how you can bring that same energy to Birchgrove.
✨Demonstrate Calm Under Pressure
Prepare to discuss situations where you've maintained composure in a busy kitchen. Birchgrove values a calm environment, so share specific strategies you use to stay organised and focused during peak times.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Talk about your experience as a team player. Give examples of how you've supported colleagues in the kitchen and contributed to a positive work culture, which is essential for a well-structured kitchen like Birchgrove's.
