Sous Chef reference: R1195598

Sous Chef Opportunity at Richmond Village, Wood Norton: A Culinary Career with Work-Life Harmony

For ambitious culinary professionals seeking a fulfilling career with a strong emphasis on work-life balance, the Sous Chef position at Richmond Village in Wood Norton presents a compelling opportunity. This role offers more than just a chance to exercise your culinary expertise; it's an invitation to be an integral part of a luxury retirement village, contributing to the wellbeing and happiness of its residents.

Richmond Village is renowned for its commitment to providing a high-quality living experience, and the kitchen team plays a pivotal role in achieving this. As a Sous Chef, you will be at the forefront of ensuring exceptional dining standards across various settings, from the intimate care home to the vibrant village restaurant and café bar. This is a position that blends hands-on culinary creation with leadership responsibilities, offering a dynamic and rewarding work environment.

Advantages for Aspiring Culinary Professionals:

• Exceptional Work-Life Balance: With sociable shifts and an occasional late evening, this role is designed to allow you to pursue your professional passions without sacrificing your personal life. The planned roster provides predictability, enabling better personal time management.
• Career Progression: This role is explicitly positioned as a stepping stone for those aspiring to become Head Chefs. You'll gain invaluable experience in kitchen management, menu development, and team leadership, preparing you for future advancement.
• Diverse Culinary Experience: You will have the opportunity to cater to a variety of dining settings and customer needs, including specialized dietary requirements. This exposure to diverse cuisines and cooking techniques will broaden your skill set and creative repertoire.
• Meaningful Contribution: Being part of a retirement village means your culinary creations directly impact the quality of life for residents. This offers a unique sense of purpose and job satisfaction.
• Supportive Environment: You'll be joining a team dedicated to making health happen and fostering a positive culture of care. Bupa's commitment to employee wellbeing is evident in their comprehensive benefits package.
• Attractive Welcome Bonus: A generous £1,000 welcome bonus is offered to new hires, acknowledging your decision to join the Bupa Care Services team.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Experience Requirements: Candidates should possess a minimum of two years' experience in a supervisory or leadership role within a professional kitchen, ideally within a care home or hospitality setting. Experience catering to customers with special dietary needs is highly advantageous.
• Qualifications: A solid understanding of health and safety protocols is essential, along with a minimum of NVQ Level 2 in Catering and a CIEH Level 2 Food Safety Award, or equivalent qualifications and experience.
• Adaptability and Innovation: The role requires a creative approach to cooking and menu development, with the ability to adapt to customer preferences and craft nutritious, balanced, and appealing meals. Openness to innovation and new food products is key.
• Teamwork and Communication: A collaborative spirit and positive communication style are crucial, as you'll be working closely with other hospitality team members and kitchen staff.
• Commitment to Standards: You will be responsible for maintaining high standards of food safety, food quality, kitchen efficiency, and stock control, including HACCP checks and waste management.

The Sous Chef role at Richmond Village is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated and skilled chef looking to advance their career in a supportive and purpose-driven environment. If you are passionate about food, committed to quality, and value a healthy work-life balance, we encourage you to explore this exciting prospect.