Chef

Hartford Care Ltd.; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Voice Forum

Sick pay & reviews

Life insurance

Parental leave

Referral bonuses

Blue Light discounts

DBS & PIN reimbursement

Wagestream access

Learning & development

Job summary

Hartford Care Ltd. in Portsmouth is seeking a Chef to create home-cooked, nutritious meals for residents, in a warm, caring environment. The role emphasizes wellbeing and quality, with no late-night shifts and opportunities to lead menu planning and cooking across a friendly, supportive team.

You’ll bring Basic Food Hygiene, strong communication, and the ability to tailor meals to dietary needs while maintaining high kitchen standards.

Qualifications

• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Understanding of individual dietary needs

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present nutritious, appetising meals for residents.
• Serve meals and snacks to residents and maintain kitchen service.
• Plan weekly menus and manage kitchen operations to ensure quality and safety.
• Keep the kitchen clean, safe and compliant with health regulations.

Skills

Compassionate nature

Communication skills

Organisational skills

IT systems confidence

Prepare, cook, present meals

Dietary needs awareness

Team spirit

Education

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Chef - Full-time (36 hours per week - includes alternate weekend working) Location: Hartford Court - Portsmouth, Hampshire (PO3 6GN)

Join the Hartford Care Family - Where Every Meal Makes a Difference

Do you love creating home-cooked meals that make people smile? Are you passionate about fresh, nutritious food and want to make a real difference every single day?

At Hartford Care, we’re more than a care provider - we’re a family. We believe in Creating Communities, Caring for Each Other, and Celebrating Individuality. As our Chef, you’ll bring warmth, creativity, and heart to every dish you prepare. Not only that you can bring your culinary skills to a role where you do not need to work late into the night.

The Role

As a Chef, you’ll be at the heart of our home - preparing delicious, wholesome meals and snacks for our residents while keeping the kitchen running smoothly and safely.

From serving a comforting Sunday roast to hosting a bread-making session with residents or planning next week’s menu, you’ll put care and pride into everything you do.

If you’re caring, energetic, and have a great sense of humour, you’ll fit right in!

What You’ll Bring

• A compassionate, caring nature
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Confidence with IT systems
• The ability to prepare, cook, and present nutritious, appetising meals
• Understanding of individual dietary needs
• Team spirit and flexibility to adapt to a busy environment

This position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

What You’ll Get

We believe in looking after the people who look after others. Here’s what’s waiting for you:

• Be heard through the Hartford Voice Forum
• Occupational sick pay and annual pay reviews
• Life insurance and enhanced parental leave pay
• Recruitment referral bonuses
• Blue Light discounts
• Free DBS check and NMC PIN reimbursement
• Salary sacrifice schemes and access to Wagestream (draw down earned pay before payday!)
• A wide range of learning and development opportunities

Ready to Cook Up a Career That Cares?

If you’re passionate about great food and want to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.