Solsikken seeks a sous-chef

Solsikken has growth pains: We are seeking a sous-chef with an overview, warmth and humor Start date: January 1, 2027

The Solsikken Children's House in Gislinge is in the middle of an exciting development – and when a house grows, it needs even more leadership power. Therefore we are looking for a sous-chef who can help set direction, create calm in change and at the same time have heart in everyday life.

Who are we? Solsikken is an integrated institution and part of Dagtilbud Katrinedal, which consists of 8 institutions and child care. In the area we have a strong focus on doing together what makes sense. Including pedagogical workshops for staff, and a culture and learning festival with focus on the children.

Solsikken is located in the middle of Gislinge town and we have about 110 children distributed between kindergarten and nursery.

We are a house where

• things are in motion
• changes happen at a pace that some days outrun children on balance bikes
• we work to create structure, culture and workflows that make sense for both children and adults

In our nursery we work purposefully to develop strong learning environments both indoors and outdoors, because we know that the physical surroundings have great significance for the children's well-being, curiosity and ability to explore the world in safe surroundings.

In the kindergarten we have since August 2025 worked from a functionally divided structure. The kindergarten department is open and flexible, where children to a large extent can choose what and whom they want to engage with during the day. We have dissolved the traditional rooms and instead created clear learning environments – e.g. crafts, shop, construction play and motor activities – where the staff work from their professional strengths.

Everyday life is visually structured for the children, both at drop-off, in the play environments and in the dining groups, which are small and relational to create calmness and presence around meals. The staff work in teams that plan the month's theme and organize pedagogical activities in small groups, so there is time for presence, immersion and high quality in the company.

In this way we ensure a learning environment where both children and adults thrive, develop and are allowed to bring their competences into play.

At Solsikken House, we prioritize the good transition from daycare to school, and we believe that a strong foundation is created through independence, social skills and relational security – not through early focus on numbers and letters. For us, it is important that children develop the courage to try themselves, the ability to be a good friend and the security of being able to call on an adult when they need it. We ensure that children are allowed to be children for as long as possible, and we create frameworks where their curiosity, play and natural development can flourish before school start.

Parental collaboration is a central part of our work – we prioritize close, respectful and open dialogue, where parents are seen as important partners regarding the individual child. The leadership is clearly present from the first startup meeting, where we ensure a good introduction, security in the transition and a strong relationship to both children and parents from day one.

We work with ICDP, which is a natural part of our pedagogical foundation. If you have knowledge of ICDP, that is an advantage – otherwise we will obviously equip you.

We offer a position The position is 37 hours, where half the time is in a fixed schedule, and the other half is allocated to leadership tasks. You will therefore have an active role in the pedagogical practice and help shape the common direction for the house.

As a sous-chef you will be a central part of everyday life, where you are close to the children, the staff and the processes that make the house function daily, and at the same time sit at the table for professional reflections that can contribute to the pedagogical leader making well-founded decisions.

The cornerstones in the leadership team are

• Trust – we lift together and stand behind each other
• Open dialogue – we talk about things when they matter, and we have an honest and constructive tone
• Common reflection – we use each other to qualify decisions and develop practice

Together this forms the foundation for clear leadership, which creates direction, professionalism and stability in the house.

With us you become part of a growing workplace where you get the opportunity to really make your mark on both structure, culture and the pedagogical direction. You join a staff group that cares for one another and enjoys being together – also when we are not at work. Everyday life is characterized by high professionalism, but also by room for smiles, presence and the ability to be human.

And most of all: You will be part of a house where the children fill the space – in the best, most joyful way.

We expect

• That you help support and motivate the staff in daily work and lead as a clear role model
• That you see reflection as an important working tool in the development of the pedagogical professionalism
• That you thrive in a daily life where humor is a natural part of the culture
• That you nurture a positive and safe working environment and know how important it is for both well-being and quality
• That you see yourself as a present, listening and acknowledging leader who creates security and clarity in everyday life

We are not looking for a sous-chef who always has all the answers. We are looking for a leader who dares to try, learn and develop together with us, and who can stay the course, even when everyday life challenges.

If you would like to know more, or you are curious whether Solsikken could be the right place for you, you are very welcome to contact the pedagogical leader Katrine Kaae at tel. 72364006. We are happy to open the doors for a visit so you can get a sense of the house, the atmosphere and everyday life with us.

Application deadline is October 28, 2026 and interviews will be held on November 2, 2026.

We are 4,800 dedicated colleagues who every day work to create good service and welfare for our approx. 75,000 citizens in Holbæk Municipality. Together we bring our different professionalities into play and create solutions that make a real difference.

We place great emphasis on a good working environment and on developing our employees – both professionally and personally.

In Holbæk Municipality we actively work for diverse workplaces, where there is room for difference. All qualified applicants are therefore encouraged to apply for the position - regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, political and religious beliefs or sexual orientation.

Holbæk Municipality's personnel policy sets the framework for our values and the way we meet each other and the citizens.

Read more about what it's like to work in Holbæk Municipality .