Sous Chef

The Company

Birchgrove is an innovative build-to-rent operator, exclusively for the over 65s. We bring purpose to our work and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our colleagues and our customers. We put our colleagues and residents at the heart of everything that we do and love to make a difference.

Birchgrove Pepperpot House has views over Godalming to the Surrey Hills. It is on the former Mole Country Stores site and will include the restoration of the listed converted Cowshed at its entrance. Its town-centre location provides easy access to shops, restaurants, cafés and local amenities.

The Role

We are looking for a second chef / Sous who is both energetic and passionate about providing exceptional food. Working from a variety of menus created by the Head Chef, you will ensure that mealtimes are a highlight of our residents day by ordering, preparing, and serving appetising freshly produced food, from local suppliers where possible, whilst maintaining, highest standards of cleanliness, health, and safety.

We aim to provide a fine dining experience with varied choices for every mealtime but also providing all catering for private events for our residents

Working in a spacious, exceptionally well-equipped kitchen, you will need to be hard working, professional and reliable. Our Chef is looking for someone who has at least 2 year's catering experience, ideally Chef de Partie level with NVQ 2/3.

You will need to have the passion to work with the Head chef to showcasing innovative and fine dining standard of food. You will be mentored and trained further by the Head Chef and encouraged to contribute to the kitchen's ideas and menus.

The Role

• Maintain Smooth running of the kitchen operation
• Develop nutritious and diet sensitive meals for residents and their requirements.
• Menu design and planning.
• Managing stock control and adhering to food cost guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with both Food Safety and Health and Safety in the kitchen.

The Person

The ideal applicant should ideally be:

• Passionate about food with a keen eye for presentation
• Able to prepare and produce from scratch using fresh ingredients
• Able to multitask, prioritise and thrive in a busy environment
• Warm and Friendly
• Passionate about enhancing the lives of our residents
• Innovative and creative
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic committed to providing an excellent customer service
• Great communication skills
• Excellent team player
• Committed to enhancing residents' well-being and fostering a sense of community.
• Values aligned with our philosophy as outlined on our website.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities will include:

• Support the head chef in delivering a personalised dining experience to our residents encouraging our residents to make food choices that promote a healthier, fitter and happier life.
• Managing food preparation, cooking and presentation to ensure high-quality and consistent dishes
• Monitoring food inventory and stock levels minimising waste
• Ensuring kitchen equipment is properly maintained and functioning efficiently
• Adhering to food safety and sanitation guidelines to maintain a safe kitchen environment
• Collaborating with the head chef to develop new menu items, seasonal offerings and special event menus
• Assisting with menu planning
• Maintaining a positive and professional attitude, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment
• An appetite to learn new skills and be innovative in culinary ideas.
• Assisting the head chef during service
• Working safely at all times, especially when using kitchen equipment
• Provide outstanding customer service to residents
• Undertake any activities that fall under the Health & Safety policies and procedures.

Why Work for us

• Opportunity for growth: We are committed to fostering professional development and providing opportunities for growth investing in our employees career progression.
• Work Life Balance
• Alternate weekend work with social working hours
• Birchgrove is dedicated to making a positive impact on our residents and the community. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to work on projects that have a real and meaningful impact.
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Complimentary lunch cooked by our professional Chefs
• Health Care Cash Back scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where individuals from all backgrounds and experiences are welcome and valued.
• Birchgrove is known as the leading company in its field within the UK. Joining our team means being part of a reputable and respected organisation.

We are passionate about what we do and are looking for individuals who share our values and vision. If you are seeking a fulfilling career and a positive work environment, we encourage you to apply and become a part of our dynamic team.

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