Position: Sous Chef
Location: Wellford Gardens, Park Hill, Wheatley, Oxford, OX33 1NE / OX33 1ND
Pay Rate: £18.01 per hour (with higher rates for weekends)
Contract Type: Bank / 0 Hours
Closing Date: 31st August 2026
As a supportive bridge staffing agency, we are partnering to recruit an experienced and talented Sous Chef for Wellford Gardens, our stunning luxury new-build care home in Wheatley, Oxford. Featuring 65 en-suite bedrooms, private dining, a cinema, and landscaped gardens, Wellford Gardens provides round-the-clock residential and dementia care within luxurious, state-of-the-art surroundings.
In this key leadership role, you will manage the day-to-day delivery of a first-class dining and hospitality experience. You will lead and develop the catering team to produce top-quality, nutritious meals and provide cover for the Executive Chef when required, ensuring every mealtime is a highlight for our residents.
Kitchen Leadership: Manage, train, and inspire the catering team to maintain exceptional standards of food preparation, hygiene, and presentation.
Culinary Excellence: Deliver a first-class, 24-hour dining experience using fine ingredients and expert culinary techniques.
Executive Cover: Step in to oversee kitchen operations and executive chef duties in their absence.
Budget & Process Management: Assist with financial management, food costings, stock control, and efficient kitchen planning.
Qualifications: City & Guilds 706-2/3 or equivalent, a Professional Cookery Level 3 qualification (or equivalent), and a Level 3 Food Safety Qualification.
Experience: A minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience working within a fine dining catering environment.
Skills & Attributes: Outstanding culinary knowledge, the ability to stay calm under pressure, strong leadership capabilities, and financial astuteness regarding budgets.
Requirements: A full driving licence and access to a vehicle, with flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays as needed.
Competitive Pay: £18.01 per hour, with higher pay rates for weekend shifts.
Flexibility: Bank contract offering adaptable hours to suit your lifestyle.
Generous Leave: 30 days holiday (including Bank Holidays).
Wellbeing Support: Workplace pension scheme and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
Perks & Schemes: Free uniform, free enhanced DBS check, Blue Light Card discounts, "My Rewards" programme, and a Refer-a-Friend scheme rewarding up to £1,000.