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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage kitchen operations and prepare meals tailored to residents' dietary needs.
- Company: Join a caring community at one of Croydon's oldest charities, the John Whitgift Foundation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension contributions, health cash plan, and discounts on various services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing residents' dining experiences in a supportive family-like environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef with a Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate and knowledge of special diets required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and ongoing training opportunities available.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Vacancy
Would you like to join one of Croydon\’s oldest care charities with community at its heart?
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Sous Chef to join our Nursing Care Home Catering team. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in managing our kitchen operations, ensuring that meal preparation runs smoothly and efficiently. You\’ll bring confidence in managing specialist diets, allergies, and modified textures, along with a genuine passion for serving food that\’s both nourishing and enjoyable.
About the Role
- Plan and prepare meals in line with residents\’ dietary requirements, including allergies and cultural preferences.
- Maintain high standards of hygiene and food safety in accordance with health regulations.
- Monitor stock levels and manage kitchen supplies effectively.
- Collaborate with residents and staff to develop high-quality meals.
- Ensure the kitchen operates efficiently and within budget,
- Work with the Head Chef and the Home Manager to ensure our residents needs are continuously met.
About You
- Proven experience as a Sous Chef, preferably within a care home or similar environment.
- Hold a Level 3 Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate.
- Strong understanding of IDDSI, special diets and food safety standards.
- The ability to create varied and balanced menus that cater to individual dietary needs.
- Have excellent organisational and teamwork skills.
- Be passionate about delivering high-quality food and enhancing the dining experience for residents.
- As the Sous Chef, you must be able to develop and maintain positive relationships with our residents, families, visitors and colleagues.
We are proud to be part of the John Whitgift Foundation. Through our care homes and services at Whitgift Care, our mission is to give older people a true sense of community, comfort, and joy in later life.
We provide our staff with an excellent benefits package, including;
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Membership of a generous money purchase pension scheme with contributions matched up to 10% of salary and including 3x salary life assurance cover
- Free access to an employee discount club offering discounted rates on a range of products and services, including insurance, holidays, fashion, and retai.
- Membership of the Bupa Health Cash Plan Scheme which provides financial support towards the cost of your everyday healthcare, as well as an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Access to a virtual GP service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, with HealthHero.
- A range of family friendly benefits including enhanced maternity/paternity pay
- Discounted gym membership
- Cycle to work scheme
- Season ticket loan
Closing date: 13 August 2025
Potential interview date: week commencing 18 August 2025
The Company
Our three Homes: The Whitgift Almshouses, Whitgift House and Wilhelmina House, are happy, thriving and secure communities where staff are on hand 24 hours a day to provide the highest standards of care. Within Whitgift Care, we like to call ourselves a family where our core values of respect, dignity and privacy are our priority.
We are proud to be part of the John Whitgift Foundation, a local charity in Croydon, whose mission is to provide education for the young and care for the elderly since its establishment by our Founder, Archbishop John Whitgift, in 1596.
John Whitgift Foundation is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of young and elderly people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be required to comply with all safeguarding procedures including an Enhanced DBS check.
Staff Training
All our staff take part in a structured training programme which is tailored to each individual and is geared to help them to offer the high standards of care that are expected in a Whitgift Care home.
Our internal training is run by our dedicated Training Coordinator who ensures that our staff are trained in mandatory subjects. These include:
Safeguarding
Infection control
Person centred approaches
Food hygiene
Medicine administration
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Sous Chef employer: John Whitgift Foundation
Contact Detail:
John Whitgift Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements and food safety standards mentioned in the job description. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to speak confidently about your experience during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the John Whitgift Foundation and its values. Understanding their mission and community focus will enable you to align your answers with their ethos, showing that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your previous experience where you've successfully managed kitchen operations or catered to special dietary needs. Being able to share these stories will demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your communication skills, especially in how you would interact with residents and staff. Since building positive relationships is key in this role, showcasing your interpersonal skills during the interview will be crucial.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Sous Chef, particularly in care home settings. Emphasise your knowledge of dietary requirements, food safety standards, and any specific certifications you hold.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and caring for residents. Mention your ability to create varied menus and your commitment to maintaining high hygiene standards. Personalise it by referencing the values of the John Whitgift Foundation.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills related to managing kitchen operations, collaborating with staff, and ensuring meal preparation meets dietary needs. Use specific examples from your previous roles to demonstrate these abilities.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Whitgift Foundation
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for cooking and serving high-quality meals. Share examples of how you've created enjoyable dining experiences in the past, especially in a care home or similar environment.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Dietary Needs
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of special diets, allergies, and food safety standards. Highlight your experience with IDDSI and how you’ve catered to individual dietary requirements in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Talk about your ability to work well with others, including kitchen staff and residents. Provide examples of how you've collaborated to develop menus or improve kitchen operations, showcasing your organisational skills.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Have thoughtful questions ready to ask about the kitchen operations and the community aspect of the role. This shows your interest in the position and helps you understand how you can contribute to the team effectively.