Assistant Chef

HC-One Ltd.; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care provider in Gateshead is seeking an Assistant Chef to prepare nutritious meals and support kitchen operations. Ideal candidates will have a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate and a strong commitment to kindness in care. Responsibilities include managing stocks, assisting the First Chef, and providing excellent meal service to residents. Join our caring team and develop your culinary skills in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Paid Enhanced DBS/PGV

Free uniform

Company pension scheme

28 days annual leave including bank holidays

Group life assurance cover

GP online service

Colleague discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Must have a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Strong understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points.
• Able to work well with others and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Cook and serve nutritious meals that residents love.
• Support the First Chef and manage food stock.
• Coach colleagues and supervise kitchen clean-up.

Skills

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points

Positive energy and organization skills

Job description

About The Role

HC One is looking for an Assistant Chef with at least a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate and a strong understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points. You’ll bring positive energy, enjoy working with people, stay organised and meet deadlines, present food attractively and follow recipes perfectly. When communicating with a resident or co‑worker you’ll be considerate and kind.

As an Assistant Chef at HC One you’ll put kindness first. That guiding principle is embedded in every part of our dementia, nursing, residential and specialist care homes. By joining HC One you’ll have a wonderful opportunity to give back to those people who are at the heart of our work.

You’ll cook and serve nutritious, healthy meals that residents will love. You’ll provide outstanding support to the First Chef, stepping in when they are absent. You’ll manage food stock, plan budgets, coach colleagues or supervise kitchen clean‑up, all while keeping resident well‑being above everything else.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. You must recognise signs of abuse or neglect, attend safeguarding training, seek advice, and report concerns including escalation if action is not taken.

About HC One

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 support them to live their best possible lives.

To provide the kindest possible care, everyone at HC One brings and nurtures five key qualities – what we call Kindness the HC One Way:

• We are curious – asking questions, seeking to understand.
• We are compassionate – walking in the shoes of others.
• We are creative – finding practical ways to make things happen.
• We are courageous – supporting residents to live the life they choose.
• We are dependable – people can always count on us.

We champion inclusivity, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to be themselves. Our diverse workforce helps us learn from each other and better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds into our HC One family and prioritise inclusive working practices across everything we do.

We are enhancing the way we support residents through digital care planning. This technology is helping us streamline care, improve outcomes and make daily tasks more efficient. As we grow our digital capabilities, we’re looking for team members who are comfortable with technology – or are open to learning. You’ll be supported every step of the way.

We care about our colleagues and are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. From the moment you receive a job offer, we aim for the quickest possible turnaround to get you started, with full support every step of the way. We provide clear career pathways, continuous professional development and postgraduate programmes, investing in your growth and opening up opportunities at regional and national levels.

Please note: We only consider applications from individuals who already have the full right to work in the UK. We cannot offer sponsorship or accept applications from those on a time‑limited visa. Applications that do not meet this criterion will not be progressed.

Rewards & Benefits

• Paid Enhanced DBS/PGV
• Free uniform
• Hourly rate subject to experience and qualifications
• During an eight‑hour shift or longer a nutritious meal will be available
• Company pension scheme
• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Group life assurance cover
• Wagestream – financial wellbeing and flexible access to pay as you need it
• Award‑winning learning and development and support to achieve qualifications
• GP online – a service providing around‑the‑clock GP consultation via an interactive app – available to you and your children under 16
• Opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues as part of an outstanding and committed team
• Colleague discounts – access to over 1600 high‑street discounts including carefully selected discount partners
• Wellbeing – free access to an independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme, with 24/7 365 support for a range of issues including physical, mental and financial issues
• Excellent recognition schemes such as "Kindness in Care" and Long Service Awards
• Attractive refer‑a‑friend scheme of up to £1,000 per referral, depending on the role