At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head Chef in creating high-quality, fresh meals and seasonal menus.
- Company: Birchgrove, a community-focused kitchen for residents over 65.
- Benefits: No late nights, free meals, healthcare cashback, and electric car scheme.
- Other info: Join a people-first culture with real opportunities for development and progression.
- Why this job: Cook with purpose in a calm, supportive 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.
Looking for a role where you can still cook great food - but without the late nights, split shifts and constant pressure? At Birchgrove, we are 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 will 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 are not cooking for covers - you are 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 will 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 are 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 are 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 would 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 Guildford 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 residents in the beautiful setting of Godalming, Surrey. The company offers real opportunities for development and progression, alongside benefits like free meals on shift and a healthcare cashback scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef / Senior Chef de Partie in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, whether it's through social media or local events. We all know that sometimes it's not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up in person! If you're keen on Birchgrove, why not pop in for a coffee and a chat? It’s a great way to make a personal connection and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to see the kitchen vibe firsthand!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your skills! When you get that interview, be prepared to talk about your experience with fresh, seasonal food and how you maintain high standards. We want to hear about your passion for cooking and how you can contribute to a calm, organised kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your chat or interview! A quick thank-you note or message can go a long way in showing your interest and professionalism. It keeps you on their radar and reinforces that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity at Birchgrove.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef / Senior Chef de Partie in Guildford
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 value teamwork at Birchgrove, so make sure to mention any past experiences where you've supported your colleagues in the kitchen. A calm and organised approach is key, so share examples of how you've maintained high standards under pressure.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and align your application with what we're looking for. Mention specific skills or experiences that relate directly to the role of Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birchgrove
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with seasonal ingredients and dishes that align with Birchgrove's ethos. Be ready to discuss your favourite fresh ingredients and how you would incorporate them into the menu. This shows your passion for quality food and your understanding of what matters in a community kitchen.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff or handled pressure in previous roles. Highlight your calm and organised approach, which is crucial for maintaining a supportive kitchen environment.
✨Emphasise Community Cooking
Since Birchgrove focuses on cooking for residents rather than covers, be prepared to talk about your experience in creating meals that cater to individual preferences. Share any stories that illustrate how you've built relationships through food, as this aligns perfectly with their mission.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the kitchen culture at Birchgrove. Inquire about their approach to menu development or how they maintain work-life balance for their staff. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
