Sous Chef

Location: Darlington
Salary: £37,000 - £40,000 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week, working 5 days across 7 (including weekends)
Shift Pattern: Sociable shifts with typical start times of 6:30am, 9:30am or 10:00/10:30am.

What We Offer

Alongside a competitive salary, you'll benefit from a fantastic package including:

• Discount at our onsite Bistro.

• Free use of our Health & Wellbeing Centre, including swimming pool, gym and fitness facilities.

• Access to our onsite art studio and library.

• Beautiful extensive grounds and woodland walks to enjoy during your breaks.

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme with access to professional counsellors.

• Monthly Reward & Recognition Scheme.

• Recommend a Friend bonus of up to £250 (subject to terms).

• Blue Light Card reimbursement.

Join Our Team

We're looking for an experienced and passionate Sous Chef to support our Head Chef in delivering exceptional food and dining experiences. This is an excellent opportunity for a talented chef who enjoys leading a team, maintaining high standards, and creating quality meals in a rewarding environment.

As Sous Chef, you'll play a key leadership role within the kitchen, taking responsibility for daily operations and ensuring every dish meets our high standards of quality, presentation and consistency.

The Role

As our Sous Chef, you will:

• Act as deputy to the Head Chef, taking full responsibility for the kitchen in their absence.

• Lead and oversee food preparation across all services, ensuring the highest standards are maintained at all times.

• Ensure compliance with Safer Food Better Business procedures, HACCP principles and company policies.

• Take overall responsibility for the quality, presentation and consistency of all food leaving the kitchen.

• Support, motivate and develop the kitchen team to achieve excellent service standards.

• Monitor food hygiene, cleanliness, storage and health & safety practices to ensure full compliance.

• Actively seek and respond to feedback from residents and stakeholders, driving continuous improvement.

• Work alongside the Head Chef to identify opportunities for menu development, innovation and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience as a Sous Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership role.

• Is confident leading a kitchen and managing services independently.

• Has excellent knowledge of food hygiene, HACCP and health & safety regulations.

• Is passionate about producing high-quality food with consistency and attention to detail.

• Has strong organisational and communication skills.

• Enjoys mentoring and developing others within the kitchen team.

• Thrives in a collaborative, professional environment.

Plus our standard benefits:

• 28 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), increasing with length of service to a maximum of 33 days.

• Auto-enrolment into the People's Partnership Pension Scheme with a 3% employer contribution.

• Length of service milestone recognition.

• Service-specific uniform provided.

• Free onsite parking.

Apply Today

If you're an experienced Sous Chef looking for a role that offers great work-life balance, sociable shifts and the opportunity to make a real difference while working in a supportive environment, we'd love to hear from you at 01618504495.