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 in England 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 in England
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, try to connect with current staff or even residents if possible. This will give you insights into the kitchen culture at Vivant Care and help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When discussing your experience, highlight specific dishes you've crafted or unique menu ideas you've implemented. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can bring joy and flavour to mealtimes.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since collaboration is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with others in a fast-paced kitchen environment. We want to see that you thrive in a team setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the Vivant Care family.
We think you need these skills to ace Care Kitchen Sous Chef - Flexible Hours & Free Meals in England
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 come alive in your words.
Highlight Your Team Spirit:Since teamwork is key in our kitchen, make sure to mention any collaborative experiences you've had. Talk about how you’ve worked with others to create amazing dishes or overcome challenges. We’re all about supporting each other here at Vivant!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon that might confuse us. 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 shows you’re keen on joining our team at Vivant Care!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanctuary Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the menu and the types of dishes you might be preparing. Be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you can use them creatively in the kitchen. This shows your passion for food and your understanding of what makes a meal special.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in this role, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others in a kitchen setting. Be prepared to share how you handle conflicts or support your colleagues, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Safety First!
Brush up on food safety regulations and hygiene standards. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your previous roles. This not only shows your professionalism but also your commitment to resident safety, which is crucial in this position.
✨Engage with Passion
Express your enthusiasm for creating memorable dining experiences. Think about how you can gather feedback from residents and incorporate it into your cooking. This will highlight your dedication to enhancing dining satisfaction and your willingness to go the extra mile.
