Chef

Active Care Group; Barnstaple; On-site; GBP 17,500 - 20,500; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday off

Benefits Hub access

Active Rewards app

EAP helpline

Nest Pension

Medicash Health Plan

Refer a Friend scheme

Career development support

Job summary

Active Care Group is seeking a part-time chef to prepare nutritious, safe meals tailored to the dietary needs of patients, residents, and staff. You will work to maintain high hygiene standards and support dietitians. The role involves meal planning, menu development, and supervising kitchen staff.

The position supports 25 hours per week with flexible weekdays/weekends/bank holidays, offering a pro rata salary aligned to the group's standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef in a similar environment.
• Experience leading a team.
• Knowledge of dietary guidelines, allergens, and nutritional requirements.
• Excellent understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook meals meeting dietary needs of patients/residents/young people.
• Create appealing menus promoting health and recovery with variety and balance.
• Maintain highest standards of food safety and hygiene.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is cleaned and maintained per regulations.
• Oversee kitchen operations: ordering, inventory, and waste reduction.
• Train and supervise kitchen staff to ensure quality.
• Manage food budgets without compromising safety.
• Respond to dietary or menu changes based on health needs.

Skills

Proven experience as a Chef

Experience of leading a team

Dietary guidelines knowledge

Food safety & hygiene knowledge

Education

Level3 Professional Cookery or equivalent

Level2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Role Summary

Responsible for preparing nutritious, appealing, and safe meals tailored to the dietary requirements of patients, residents, young people, colleagues, and visitors. This role involves adhering to strict food safety standards, collaborating with dietitians to accommodate specific health needs, and ensuring the efficient operation of the kitchen.

Work Arrangement

Part‑time role – 25 hours per week (2×12.5 hours per week). Works weekdays, weekends, or bank holidays – 2 days out of 7 days.

Salary

Full‑time equivalent: £26,260.52 for 37.5 hours per annum (pro rata).

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook meals that meet the dietary needs of patients, residents or young people, including low‑sodium, low‑sugar, gluten‑free, vegetarian or other specialised diets.
• Create appealing menus that promote health and recovery while ensuring variety and balance.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety and hygiene.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is cleaned and maintained according to health and safety regulations.
• Oversee kitchen operations, including ordering supplies, managing inventory and reducing food waste.
• Train and supervise kitchen colleagues to ensure consistency and quality in meal preparation.
• Manage food budgets efficiently without compromising quality or safety.
• Respond quickly to dietary or menu changes based on patient health needs or operational demands.
• Receive and store food and other goods, ensuring they are of the required specification and quality.
• Ensure correct portioning, labelling and packaging of food items in line with food safety standards.
• Complete daily quality report sheets to include all food cooking & chilling and equipment temperatures.
• Make the most efficient use of provisions and equipment to minimise waste.
• Wear appropriate approved protective clothing provided in accordance with the role and food hygiene policy.
• Take personal responsibility for ensuring that ACG resources are used efficiently and with minimum wastage.
• Ensure colleagues are aware of the mechanisms for speaking up in ACG and take action where required.
• Maintain their own training compliance with and ensure they are up to date with regulatory standards.
• Adhere to all Group policies and procedures and ensure that all colleagues in the service are aware of and understand company policies.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef, ideally in a similar environment.
• Experience of leading a team.
• Level3 qualification in Professional Cookery or equivalent.
• Level2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Knowledge of dietary guidelines, allergens and nutritional requirements.
• Excellent understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations.

Benefits

• 25 days plus bank holidays.
• Birthday off.
• Access to the Benefits Hub with a wide range of e‑learning and face‑to‑face training and development opportunities.
• Active Reward App giving discounts and savings on weekly shop.
• Free 24‑hour confidential Employee Assistance Programme helpline & App to support with legal, health, wellbeing, relationship and consumer advice.
• Nest Personal Pension account.
• Medicash Health Plan for you and your family to save money on everyday health essentials.
• Recognition of outstanding Active Behaviours via the Active Awards programme.
• Enhanced Sick & Maternity Pay benefits.
• Refer a Friend scheme – earn up to £1,500 by recommending someone you know.
• Support and guidance of qualified clinical and business leadership teams to develop your career within Active Care Group.