Chef

Hartford Care Ltd; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hartford Voice Forum

Sick pay

Pay reviews

Life insurance

Parental leave

Referral bonuses

Blue Light discounts

Free DBS check

PIN reimbursement

Wagestream access

Learning & development

Job summary

Hartford Care Ltd in Portsmouth is seeking a dedicated Chef for a full-time role (36 hours per week) at Hartford Court. You’ll prepare wholesome, home-cooked meals for residents and help keep the kitchen running safely and smoothly.

You’ll bring a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate, strong communication and organisational skills, and confidence with IT systems. This role includes alternating weekend work and DBS check.

Qualifications

• Caring and compassionate approach to residents.
• Strong communication and organisational abilities.
• Basic Food Hygiene knowledge and compliant conduct.
• Proficiency with IT systems used in kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare wholesome, home-cooked meals for residents.
• Plan menus and ensure kitchen runs safely and smoothly.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and food safety.

Skills

Culinary skills

Compassionate nature

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Confidence with IT

Education

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate

Tools

IT systems

Job description

Chef - Full-time (36hours 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.