At a Glance
- Tasks: Craft delicious menus and support the Head Chef in a vibrant kitchen.
- Company: Join Vivant Care, where food creates joy and connection.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, free meals, and health support.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture with great career growth.
- Why this job: Make mealtimes special while shaping the future of care.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-end cooking and team management required.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
At Vivant Care, food is more than nourishment - it's an experience that brings joy and connection. As our Sous Chef, you'll play a key role in crafting menus that delight, supporting the Head Chef to deliver restaurant‑quality dishes that feel fresh, comforting and full of flavour, without the long hours or split shifts often found in hospitality. This isn't just about cooking - it's about teamwork, creativity and making mealtimes something residents truly look forward to. If you're passionate about food, thrive in a fast‑paced kitchen and take pride in doing things right, you'll feel right at home here.
Responsibilities
- Support high-quality food service operations, maintaining hygiene and safety standards
- Assist in supervising kitchen colleagues and ensuring culinary excellence
- Manage inventory, orders and budgets in line with organisational policies
- Contribute to seasonal menu planning, including special dietary needs
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and internal procedures
- Engage with residents to gather feedback and enhance dining satisfaction
- Collaborate on special events and private dining experiences
- Provide kitchen leadership in the absence of the Head Chef
Qualifications
- Experience cooking for large groups in high‑end environments
- Proven ability to manage deadlines, workloads and supervise teams
- Familiarity with online stock systems and budget monitoring
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Good understanding of written and spoken English
- Calm and controlled response to emergencies, prioritising resident safety
Why Vivant?
With over 25 years of experience from Sanctuary Care behind us, Vivant Care is built on a foundation of trusted expertise and a bold vision for the future of care. When you join Vivant Care, you’re not just stepping into a role – you’re helping shape a new standard for later‑life living.
Benefits
- CQC inspection bonus
- Health and wellbeing support – including Aviva Digicare+ with virtual GP appointments, plus an Employee Assistance Programme offering medical, financial and legal advice, and short‑term counselling
- Company‑paid life insurance
- Parental leave arrangements, paid volunteering days and annual leave purchase scheme
- Company‑funded training and ongoing career development opportunities, including our Team Leader Development Programme
- Flexible working options and an inclusive culture where everyone belongs, supported by our Youth Panel and networks, including PRISM, Disability, Race Equality and Parent networks
- Ferry concession costs reimbursed on a monthly basis where required to travel to work
- Free meals on long shifts and access to thoughtfully designed wellbeing spaces created exclusively for our teams
- Exclusive retail discounts, Cycle to Work and salary sacrifice arrangements
Care Kitchen Sous Chef - Flexible Hours & Free Meals employer: Sanctuary Group
At Vivant Care, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where culinary creativity thrives. As a Sous Chef, you'll enjoy flexible hours, free meals, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, alongside opportunities for professional growth through our comprehensive training programmes. Join us in redefining care dining experiences while being part of a team that values your contributions and fosters a sense of belonging.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care Kitchen Sous Chef - Flexible Hours & Free Meals
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen culture at Vivant Care! Before your interview, check out their website and social media to see what they're all about. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their culinary journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills and be ready to showcase them! If you get the chance, ask if you can do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This is your moment to shine and show how you can contribute to creating those delightful dishes they’re known for.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your teamwork skills! In your conversations, share examples of how you've collaborated with others in the kitchen. Vivant Care values creativity and connection, so showing that you can work well with the team will definitely give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and keen to join the Vivant Care family. Let’s get you that Sous Chef position!
We think you need these skills to ace Care Kitchen Sous Chef - Flexible Hours & Free Meals
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about creating delicious meals that bring joy to others. We want to see your personality and passion for culinary excellence.
Highlight Teamwork Skills:Since this role is all about collaboration, make sure to mention your experience working in a team. Talk about how you've supported colleagues in the kitchen and contributed to a positive work environment. We value teamwork just as much as culinary skills!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you'd be a great fit for our team.
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’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be on your way to joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanctuary Group
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to research and think about menu ideas that align with Vivant Care's philosophy. Be ready to discuss how you would create dishes that are not only delicious but also cater to special dietary needs. This shows your passion for food and your understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Vivant Care values teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a kitchen environment. Talk about times when you supported your colleagues or took the lead in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting.
✨Highlight Your Experience with High-End Cooking
Make sure to emphasise your experience cooking for large groups in high-end environments. Discuss specific techniques or dishes you've mastered that reflect culinary excellence. This will help the interviewers see that you have the skills needed to maintain their high standards.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle emergencies or manage kitchen operations under pressure. Think through potential scenarios and how you would prioritise resident safety while ensuring quality service. This will show that you're calm and controlled, which is crucial for the role.
