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 health support, flexible hours, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make mealtimes special while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-end cooking and strong team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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
Sous Chef in England employer: Sanctuary Group
At Vivant Care, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where our Sous Chefs can thrive. With a focus on employee wellbeing, we offer flexible working options, comprehensive health support, and ongoing career development opportunities, ensuring that you not only excel in your culinary skills but also enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Join us in redefining later-life living through exceptional dining experiences, all while being part of a team that values creativity, teamwork, and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in England
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, dive into Vivant Care's mission and values. Understanding their approach to food and care will help you connect your passion for cooking with their vision, making you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Bring along a few ideas for seasonal menus or special dietary options that could enhance the dining experience. This not only demonstrates your culinary skills but also shows you're proactive and invested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Sous Chef, you'll need to lead a team and interact with residents. Be ready to discuss how you handle feedback and foster teamwork in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Vivant Care family and ready to contribute to their mission of creating joyful dining experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef 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 delightful dishes. We want to see that spark of creativity and enthusiasm that makes mealtimes special.
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 supported your colleagues in past roles and how you can contribute to our vibrant kitchen culture at Vivant Care.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, especially those that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
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 Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research and think about seasonal ingredients and how they can be incorporated into menus. Be ready to discuss your ideas on creating dishes that are not only delicious but also cater to special dietary needs.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Vivant Care values teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in a kitchen environment. Highlight any experiences where you’ve led a team or supported colleagues to achieve culinary excellence.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Food
Express your love for cooking and how it goes beyond just preparing meals. Share stories about how you engage with residents or customers to enhance their dining experience, showing that you understand the importance of food as a source of joy and connection.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about managing kitchen operations, including inventory and budget management. Brush up on your knowledge of food safety regulations and be ready to discuss how you maintain hygiene standards while working under pressure.