Sous Chef - Dorchester, Dorset

Colten Care Limited; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care home group is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join their team in Dorchester, Dorset. You will prepare meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and lead the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef. Candidates must hold a City & Guilds 706 1/2 or NVQ Level 3 in Catering / Cookery, and possess a passion for creating exceptional dining experiences. The position offers a supportive environment with great work-life balance and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Uniform provided

Excellent training and support

Career progression opportunities

Meals provided on duty

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar culinary role.
• Ability to create balanced and nutritious meals.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety and Food Hygiene regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare various home-cooked meals using fresh local produce.
• Lead the kitchen team in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Engage with residents to enhance their dining experience.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Leadership

Passion for cooking

Education

City & Guilds 706 1/2 or NVQ Level 3 in Catering / Cookery

Job description

Salary: From £17.00 up to £18.50 per hour

Location: Dorchester, Dorset

Site: Castle View

Closing Date: 22/01/2026

Sous Chef

From £17.00 up to £18.50 per hour

At Colten Care we are proud to offer career development opportunities, and a range of pay enhancements across our roles. Contact us to find out more

We’re searching for an experienced, passionate and well‑rounded Sous Chef to join our team at Castle View in Dorchester, Dorset.

Main Responsibilities:

• Prepare from local fresh produce a variety of home cooked meals including a selection of fresh cakes
• Provide tasty nutritionally balanced meals across the various mealtimes
• Seek feedback from residents
• Take a lead role in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Ensure a safe, hygienic working environment by following Health and Safety and Food Hygiene regulations.
• Shifts finish at 6:30pm
• Paid breaks (hourly rate)
• Annual pay review

That’s not all! – Our shifts finish at 6:30pm so if you’re looking for a better work‑life balance, we’d love to hear from you!

In our well‑equipped professional kitchen with modern appliances, you’ll support the Head Chef, crafting meals that reflect the comforting flavours of home using locally sourced ingredients. You’ll engage with residents to create wholesome, balanced meals that enhance their well‑being and tantalise their tastebuds. In the Head Chef’s absence, you’ll take the lead, guiding kitchen and waiting staff by example, ensuring high standards are maintained and making a positive impact on the lives of our residents.

About You

You’ll have a genuine passion for creating an exceptional resident dining experience. You’ll be a natural communicator, a team player with a can‑do attitude and a sense of fun.

You’ll take pride in understanding our residents’ needs and assisting them through a unique and exciting food journey, building lasting relationships along the way.

You’ll have qualified to City & Guilds 706 1/2 or NVQ Level 3 in Catering / Cookery and have previous experience in a similar role.

We’re an award‑winning, family‑owned, independent care home group, with an outstanding reputation in the industry. This is due to our amazing people and our focus on keeping the resident at the heart of everything we do.

We strive to be the best we can hence why all 21 of our nursing homes are rated at least good and 7 are outstanding by the CQC, our national regulator.

If a career in elderly care is for you then you want to be part of the team at Colten Care.

Additional Benefits:

• Uniform provided
• Excellent inductions, training and ‘on the job’ support
• Real career progression opportunities
• Additional hours / overtime opportunities to suit your circumstances.
• Choice of hot or cold meals and drinks on duty