Assistant Chef

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

Job summary

A leading care provider in Chelmsford is seeking an Assistant Chef to prepare and serve nutritious meals while supporting the First Chef. The ideal candidate must hold a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate and have a positive attitude. Responsibilities include managing food stock and ensuring resident well-being. The role offers a £1,000 welcome bonus along with various benefits.

Benefits

£1,000 welcome bonus

Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG

Free uniform

Nutritious meal during shifts

Company pension scheme

28 days annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

GP online consultations

Colleague discounts

Recognition schemes

Qualifications

• Mandatory Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Experience working in a kitchen or food service environment.
• Understanding of Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals to high-quality standards.
• Support the First Chef and manage food stock.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and ensure resident well-being.

Skills

Strong understanding of Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points

Positive attitude

Strong communication skills

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Overview

HC‑One are looking for an Assistant Chef with at least a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate and a strong understanding of Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points. Beyond these qualifications, the role is built on positive energy, great communication skills and a commitment to kindness. You will be organised, meet deadlines, present food attractively and follow recipes closely. The role includes a £1,000 welcome bonus.

Main duties of the job

As an Assistant Chef you will cook and serve nutritious, healthy meals that our residents will love. Your responsibilities include supporting the First Chef, managing food stock, budgeting, coaching colleagues, supervising kitchen clean‑up and ensuring resident wellbeing is always the priority.

About us

At HC‑One kindness is than a word – it is a way of life. We care for people by focusing on what matters most to them and help them live their best possible lives. We nurture the five qualities we call Kindness the HC‑One Way: curiosity, compassion, creativity, courage and dependability. We champion inclusivity, empower our workforce and invest heavily in digital care planning to support residents.

Job responsibilities

In this role you will:

• Prepare and serve meals to high‑quality standards, adopting recipes and presentation techniques.
• Support the First Chef and take charge in their absence.
• Manage food stock, optimise budgets, coach staff and maintain kitchen cleanliness.
• Maintain resident well‑being above all else.
• Identify and report signs of abuse, harm or neglect. Attend safeguarding training and provide appropriate advice when necessary.

Rewards & Benefits

• £1 000 welcome bonus
• Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG
• Free uniform
• Hourly rate based on experience and qualifications
• Nutritious meal during a shift of eight hours or more
• Company pension scheme
• 28 days annual inclusive of bank holidays
• Group life assurance cover
• Wagestream – flexible access to pay
• Award‑winning learning and development opportunities
• GP online – 24/7 GP consultation via app for you and your children under 16
• Colleague discounts – access to over 1 600 high‑street discounts
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 confidential support
• Recognition schemes – Kindness in Care and Long Service Awards
• Referral scheme – up to £1 000 per referral depending on role

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (mandatory)

• Understanding of Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points

Experience

• Experience working in a kitchen or food service environment.

Additional Criteria

• Positive attitude, strong communication skills, and a commitment to kindness.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure and Barring Service check for any previous convictions.