2nd Chef

Porthaven Care Homes; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Porthaven Care Homes is hiring a Second Chef at Cavell Park Care Home in Maidstone to lead a small kitchen team and prepare nutritious meals for residents. You’ll work with the Head Chef to deliver restaurant‑quality food while accommodating dietary needs, with typical hours 8am–6pm and 40 hours weekly, alternating weekends and no late nights.

Commercial kitchen experience is preferred and City & Guild/NVQ (or equivalent) qualification is expected.

Qualifications

• Experience in a commercial kitchen environment, ideally in a care home.
• Ability to cater for special dietary needs and allergies.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious, balanced meals for residents and contribute to menu planning.
• Work with Head Chef to deliver restaurant-standard food in a care home setting.
• Ensure kitchen operations meet food safety and hygiene standards.

Skills

Commercial kitchen

Food safety

Education

City & Guild/NVQ or equivalent

Job description

Cavell Park Care Home, Sittingbourne Rd, Maidstone ME14 3EN

Full Time Position - 40hrs Weekly - 10 Hour Shifts - 8am to 6pm - Alternative Weekends, NO late Nights

** Porthaven Care Homes do not currently offer sponsorship or relocation packages **

Are you passionate about creating high quality food with excellent ingredients?

Are you a chef seeking a healthy budget and the autonomy to be creative?

Join our Chef Team at Porthaven to make a difference to people's lives whilst working hours that suit your family and personal life - no late finishes!

About the role:

A role as a 2nd chef at a Porthaven Care Home will give you just that, alongside fantastic development opportunities.

As Second Chef you will work as part of a small, but well-resourced Kitchen team to serve delicious, well-balanced and nutritious meals that our Residents will love. You'll provide a high-quality food service to support residents, responsive to their needs and contribute to their overall positive experience of living in the Home. Working closely with the Head Chef, you will have the opportunity to deliver restaurant standard food without the split shifts and long weekends. Daily working hours are typically between 8am and 6pm with alternate weekends.

About you:

Working as Second Chef, you will strive to deliver person-centred hospitality to the highest standards. You must have experience of working in a commercial kitchen environment, ideally within a care home setting, but this is not essential. You should hold City & Guild/NVQ (or equivalent) and be confident conducting kitchen duties, including catering for special dietary needs.

Successful candidates are subject to satisfactory references and a DBS check and must be authorised to work in the UK.

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