Sous Chef
LocationBirchgrove Pepperpot House, Godalming
Job Type Full time
Contract Type Permanent
Salary:£30,000

About Birchgrove

At Birchgrove, were creating something genuinely special - vibrant communities designed exclusively for people over 65, where later life can be full of connection, independence and joy. Food plays a huge part in that. Its not just about service - its about moments of comfort, celebration, and bringing people together every day.

Pepperpot House is situated right in the heart of Godalming and offers something truly special - modern retirement apartments surrounded by historic streets, independent shops and the rolling surrey hills beyond.

The Role

Were looking for a warm, passionate and talented Sous Chef to join our kitchen team.

Working closely with our Head Chef, youll help shape a dining experience that feels personal, fresh and full of care. This is a role for someone who loves good food, enjoys being part of a close-knit team, and values getting to know the people they cook for.

At Birchgrove, youre not cooking for covers - youre cooking for residents. If you thrive in a kitchen where quality matters, creativity is encouraged, and relationships are at the heart of the work, wed love to hear from you.

The Person

Were looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about food and proud of every plate that leaves the kitchen
• Confident preparing fresh, seasonal dishes from scratch
• Calm, organised and able to juggle a busy service with a smile
• Naturally warm and friendly - someone who enjoys being part of a community
• Creative and open to new ideas, menus and ways of doing things
• A great communicator and supportive team player
• Committed to making a real difference to the lives of our residents
• Aligned with Birchgroves values and approach to hospitality
• Confident in following structured processes, including HACCP and food safety procedures

What Youll Be Doing

No two days are the same, but youll be:

• Supporting the Head Chef to deliver delicious, thoughtful meals that residents genuinely look forward to
• Helping create a dining experience that feels welcoming, personal and high-quality
• Playing a key role in preparation, cooking and service - keeping standards consistently high
• Bringing ideas to the table for seasonal menus, special events and new dishes
• Taking pride in kitchen organisation, stock, waste reduction and smooth daily running
• Keeping food safety, hygiene and compliance at the heart of everything you do
• Being part of a positive kitchen culture - collaborative, respectful and supportive
• Stepping up to lead the kitchen when needed during the Head Chefs absence

Why Youll Love Working Here

• Be part of something meaningful - food is central to community life at Birchgrove
• Room to grow - we invest in development and progression
• A supportive team environment - warm, professional and people-first
• Great benefits, including:
• Complimentary lunch cooked by our chefs
• Health Care Cash Back Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• Competitive pay and perks
• Inclusive and welcoming culture - everyone belongs here
• A leading name in later living - proud to be setting the standard in the UK
• If youre looking for a role where you can cook with purpose, build relationships, and be part of a community from the inside out, wed love you to apply.

REF-226 948

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