Assistant Chef

NHS; Braintree; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking an Assistant Chef in Braintree, England. The ideal candidate will have a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate and experience in a kitchen environment. You will cook nutritious meals, support the First Chef, manage food stock, and ensure Resident wellbeing. This role offers a supportive work environment with numerous benefits, including paid DBS checks, pension scheme, and additional training opportunities.

Benefits

Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG

Free uniform

Nutritious meal during shift

Company pension scheme

28 days annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Recognition schemes

Qualifications

• Organised and able to meet deadlines.
• Ability to present food attractively.
• Considerate communication with Residents and co-workers.

Responsibilities

• Cook and serve nutritious meals that Residents will love.
• Support the First Chef and manage food stock.
• Control budget and supervise kitchen clean-up.

Skills

Food Hygiene

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Job Summary

HC-One are looking for an Assistant Chef with at least a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate and great understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points. Beyond that, it's all about your brilliant, positive energy and natural ability to get along with people. You'll be organised and meet deadlines, present your food attractively and have a knack for following recipes perfectly. And, whenever you communicate with a Resident or co-worker, you'll be truly considerate and kind. In your role as an Assistant Chef at HC-One you'll value one thing above all: Kindness. It carries across every aspect of our Dementia, Nursing, Residential and Specialist Care homes.

Main Duties of the Job

As an Assistant Chef this means cooking and serving nutritious, healthy meals that our Residents will love. You’ll provide outstanding support to our First Chef, taking charge in their absence. Whether you're managing the food stock, working out how to make the most of your budget, coaching a colleague, or supervising the kitchen clean‑up, you'll always have Resident wellbeing in mind above anything else.

About Us

At HC-One, kindness is more than a word—it's a way of life. We believe that caring for people means caring about what matters most to them, so we can support them to live their best possible lives. To provide the kindest possible care, everyone at HC-One brings and nurtures five key qualities: curiosity, compassion, creativity, courage and dependability.

Job Description & Responsibilities

HC-One is looking for an Assistant Chef with at least a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate and great understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points. You’ll be organised, meet deadlines, present your food attractively, follow recipes perfectly, and communicate with Residents and co-workers in a considerate and kind manner. Your primary focus will be to cook and serve nutritious meals, support the First Chef, manage food stock, control the budget, coach colleagues, and supervise kitchen clean‑up, all while putting Resident wellbeing first. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility; you must recognise signs of abuse, harm or neglect and know how to raise concerns. You are required to attend safeguarding training appropriate to your role and to undertake additional training in related areas.

Rewards & Benefits

• Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG
• Free uniform
• Hourly rate subject to experience and qualifications
• Nutritious meal during an eight‑hour or longer shift
• Company pension scheme
• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Group life assurance cover
• Wagestream – flexible access to pay as you need it
• Award-winning learning and development and support to achieve qualifications
• GP online – round‑the-clock GP consultation via an interactive app (available to you and your children under 16)
• Opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues in an outstanding team
• Colleague discounts – access to over 1600 high‑street discounts
• Wellbeing – free, independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme (24/7/365 support)
• Recognition schemes – Kindness in Care and Long Service Awards
• Referral scheme – up to £1,000 per referral depending on the role

Person Specification – Qualifications

• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Person Specification – Experience & Additional Criteria

• Experience in a hospitality or kitchen environment (preferred)
• Understanding of health and safety in a kitchen setting

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

Employer Details

HC-One
108 Broad Road
Braintree
Essex
CM7 9RX

Employer's Website

https://apply.hc-one.co.uk/