At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring top-notch food quality and safety standards.
- Company: Join a friendly community dedicated to exceptional culinary experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, sociable shifts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Work in stunning surroundings with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic kitchen and make a real impact on residents' dining experiences.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in catering and relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Following the refurbishment of our Drawing Room and Orangery, along with the elevation of our food offering across the village, we are excited to introduce a newly created role within our kitchen team. We are seeking a strong and motivated Senior Sous Chef to support our Head Chef and contribute to the continued growth and success of our culinary operation. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious chef to play a key role in a dynamic, evolving environment. We are a friendly community set within 45 acres of stunning grounds, and we welcome applications from those who share our values and wish to be part of something special - helping our residents live their lives to the full.
The Opportunity:
- Permanent contract
- 40 hours per week
- Sociable shifts (predominately day & afternoon shifts across a 7-day rota including weekends)
- Competitive salary depending on experience
The Role:
- Act as deputy to the Head Chef, taking full responsibility for the kitchen in their absence
- Lead and oversee food preparation across all services, ensuring the highest standards are maintained at all times in line with Safer Food Better Business procedures and Middleton Hall's policies.
- Take overall responsibility for quality control, presentation and consistency of food leaving the kitchen.
- Actively seek and respond to feedback from residents and stakeholders to drive continuous improvement.
- Ensure the kitchen meets all health & safety regulations & food hygiene practices, adhering to HACCP - Food Safety, Hygiene, Cleanliness, Health, Storage.
- Work with Head Chef to identify opportunities for development, investment and operational improvement in the kitchen.
- Ideally you will possess NVQ Level 3 qualification in a professional catering field along with having plenty of demonstrable experience within a similar role.
About our Catering Service: Proud to serve home-made food using locally sourced ingredients providing mouth-watering menus across all our care services. Cater for all our residents, their families, visitors, friends and Co-owners, supporting our Orangery, Restaurant and other bespoke MHRV events and special celebrations. Work closely with our Hospitality, Front of House and Care Teams. 5-Star food hygiene rating from the Food Standards Agency & winner of Best for Nutrition, Food and Dining in the 2026 national care home awards.
To apply please send us your CV (and covering letter) or download and complete our application form returning these via email. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our residents. We expect all Co-owners and volunteers to share this commitment and an enhanced disclosure & barring service check (DBS) will be sought.
Senior Sous Chef employer: Middleton Hall Retirement Village
Join our vibrant kitchen team as a Senior Sous Chef, where you'll play a pivotal role in elevating our culinary offerings within a supportive and friendly community. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and a commitment to quality, we offer competitive salaries, sociable shifts, and opportunities for professional growth in a stunning 45-acre setting. Be part of a dedicated team that values innovation and excellence, ensuring our residents enjoy exceptional dining experiences every day.
Contact Detail:
Middleton Hall Retirement Village Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, join culinary groups, and attend local food events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This can really set you apart from other candidates when you’re chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants or catering services you admire and express your interest. Sometimes, they might have openings that aren’t advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community and contributing to our culinary success.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but someone who truly cares about creating amazing dishes.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in similar positions, and how it aligns with our values at StudySmarter. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our community and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Middleton Hall Retirement Village
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary techniques and knowledge of food safety regulations. Be ready to discuss your experience with HACCP and how you've maintained high standards in previous roles. This will show that you're not just passionate about cooking, but also serious about food hygiene and quality.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll be stepping in for the Head Chef. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Talk about how you handle feedback, motivate your team, and ensure consistency in food quality. This will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Emphasise Your Community Spirit
Since the role is within a friendly community, highlight any experience you have working in similar environments. Share stories about how you've engaged with residents or customers to enhance their dining experience. This will resonate well with the values of the organisation.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the kitchen's operations and the team's dynamics. Inquire about opportunities for development and how the kitchen collaborates with other departments. This shows your genuine interest in contributing to the growth and success of the culinary operation.
