Care Home Chef: Nutritious, Compassionate Kitchen Lead

Hamberley Care Homes; Fulbourn; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday

Pension scheme

Performance bonus

Training and development

Employee Assistance Programme

Retail discounts

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Hamberley Care Homes in Cambridge Grove seeks an experienced chef to plan, prepare, and serve meals tailored to residents’ dietary needs. You will support the head chef, maintain high food quality, and collaborate with the care team to create enjoyable mealtimes.

The role requires a proven chef background in care settings, strong food safety knowledge, and a caring, proactive approach to resident welfare. NVQ2 in cooking and a basic hygiene certificate are preferred; COSHH awareness is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a chef, ideally in a care or similar environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Committed to customer care and first-class service provision.
• A recognised and appropriate qualification in food preparation/cooking, at least to NVQ level 2.
• Basic certificate in Food hygiene.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety COSHH regulations.
• Empathy and a desire to make a difference to the lives of our residents.
• Ability to multi-task, work under pressure and on own initiative in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and serve balanced meals that meet dietary requirements.
• Cater to individual preferences and specific medical needs, such as allergies or soft diets.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen.
• Collaborate with the care team to ensure meal times are enjoyable and fulfilling.
• To deputise for head chef during periods of absence and maintain high quality food offer at all times

Skills

Food safety

Customer care

Multi-tasking

Empathy

Work under pressure

COSHH knowledge

Food hygiene

Education

NVQ level 2 in food preparation/cooking

Job description

Hamberley Care Homes in Cambridge Grove seeks an experienced chef to plan, prepare, and serve meals tailored to residents’ dietary needs. You will support the head chef, maintain high food quality, and collaborate with the care team to create enjoyable mealtimes.

The role requires a proven chef background in care settings, strong food safety knowledge, and a caring, proactive approach to resident welfare. NVQ2 in cooking and a basic hygiene certificate are preferred; COSHH awareness is essential.