Chef

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

Job summary

A leading care home provider is looking for a dedicated chef in Manchester to prepare and serve wholesome meals that ensure comfort and enjoyment for residents. The ideal candidate will have a recognized qualification, hands-on experience in a similar setting, and a strong understanding of food safety standards. This role offers a £500 welcome bonus and various benefits including annual leave and colleague discounts.

Benefits

£500 welcome bonus

Great work-life balance

Paid Enhanced DBS / PVG

Free uniform

Nutritious meal during shifts

Company pension scheme

28 days annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Colleague discounts

Learning and development support

Recognitions schemes

Qualifications

• Experienced cook with recognized qualifications.
• Hands-on experience in a care home, planning balanced meals.
• Ability to contribute to continuous improvement is essential.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve wholesome, homemade meals for residents.
• Maintain high standards of food safety and kitchen practices.
• Bring creativity to menu planning and encourage enjoyable dining experiences.

Skills

Knowledge of HACCP

Strong communication skills

Team orientation

Education

S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Job responsibilities

At HC‑One, kindness is at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for a dedicated chef who can bring their skills and passion for food into our care home kitchen. You will play a vital role in preparing and serving wholesome, homemade meals that not only meet nutritional needs but also bring comfort and enjoyment to our residents every day. This role includes a £500 welcome bonus.

About you

You will be an experienced cook with a recognised qualification, holding an S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery, together with a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate. With a sound understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), you will be confident in maintaining the highest standards of food safety and kitchen practice. Beyond your technical skills, you will bring creativity to menu planning, pride in presenting nutritious and appetising dishes, and a genuine passion for making mealtimes special for our residents. Above all, you are a team player with a positive attitude and a caring approach that reflects the values of HC‑One.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. You must recognise the signs that may indicate possible abuse, harm or neglect in its different forms and know what to do if there are any concerns. All colleagues are required to attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role and undertake additional training in associated areas. You should also be able to seek appropriate advice, report concerns and, if necessary, escalateto support the welfare of residents.

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 can support them to live their best possible lives. We prize five key qualities, which we call Kindness the HC‑One Way: curiosity, compassion, creativity, courage, and dependability. We champion inclusivity, foster a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves, and we provide digital care planning technology to support residents and staff. We are only able to consider applications from individuals who already have the full right to work in the UK and cannot offer sponsorship.

Rewards & Benefits

• £500 welcome bonus
• Great work-life balance
• Hourly rate subject to experience and qualifications
• Paid Enhanced DBS / PVG
• Free uniform
• Nutritious meal provided during an eight‑hour shift or more
• 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 – around‑the‑clock GP consultation via an interactive app for 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
• Wellbeing – free of charge access to an independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• 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

Person Specification

• Qualifications (Essential) – Experienced cook with recognised qualification, holding an S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery, and a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Experience (Essential) – Hands‑on experience in a care home or similar setting, planning and preparing balanced meals for residents.
• Additional Criteria (Essential) – Knowledge of HACCP and food safety, strong communication skills, team orientation, and ability to contribute to continuous improvement.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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

Employer details

HC‑One

Sunnyside Road, Droylsden, Manchester, Tameside, M43 7QE

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