Chef Chef

HC-One Ltd.; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care home provider in Chelmsford is seeking a dedicated Chef to prepare and serve nutritious, wholesome meals for residents. The role requires experience, creativity in menu planning, and adherence to food safety standards. A welcoming environment and opportunities for personal growth are provided, along with a £1,000 welcome bonus.

Benefits

£1,000 welcome bonus

Great work life balance

Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG

Free uniform

28 days annual leave including bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Colleague discounts

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experienced cook with a recognised qualification.
• Ability to maintain highest standards of food safety.
• Genuine passion for making mealtimes special.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve wholesome, homemade meals.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety and kitchen practice.
• Plan menus creatively and present nutritious dishes.

Skills

S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Strong understanding of HACCP

Creativity in menu planning

Positive, caring attitude

Education

S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery

Job description

Overview

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\'ll 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 £1,000 welcome bonus.

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. To provide the kindest possible care, everyone at HC-One brings and nurtures five key qualities-what we call Kindness the HC-One Way:

• We are curious-asking questions, seeking to understand.
• We are compassionate-walking in the shoes of others.
• We are creative-finding practical ways to make things happen.
• We are courageous-supporting residents to live the life they choose.
• And we are dependable-people can always count on us.

We champion inclusivity, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves. Our diverse workforce helps us learn from one another and better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds into our HC-One family and prioritise inclusive working practices across everything we do. We are also enhancing the way we support residents through digital care planning. This technology is helping us streamline care, improve outcomes, and make daily tasks more efficient. As we continue to grow our digital capabilities, we\'re looking for team members who are comfortable with technology-or open to learning. You\'ll be supported every step of the way. We care about our colleagues and are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. From the moment you receive a job offer, we aim for the quickest possible turnaround to get you started, with full support every step of the way. With clear career pathways, continuous professional development, and postgraduate programmes, HC-One will invest in your growth-opening up opportunities at regional and national levels.

Please note: We are only able to consider applications from individuals who already have the full right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we cannot offer sponsorship or accept applications from those on a time-limited visa. Applications that do not meet this criteria will not be progressed.

Responsibilities

You will be an experienced cook with a recognised qualification, holding an S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery, along with a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate. With a sound understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), you\'ll be confident in maintaining the highest standards of food safety and kitchen practice. Beyond your technical skills, you\'ll 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\'ll be a team player with a positive attitude and a caring approach that reflects the values of HC-One. Safeguarding is everyone\'s responsibility and therefore it is important that you are able to recognise the signs which 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 to undertake additional training in associated areas. You also have the ability to seek appropriate advice and report concerns, including escalation if action is not taken.

Qualifications

• S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery and Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate. • Strong understanding of HACCP and food safety. • Ability to plan menus with creativity and prepare nutritious, appetising meals. • Positive, caring team player with a professional approach.

Salary and Location

£14.20 to £14.80 per hour

Benefits

• £1,000 welcome bonus
• Great work life balance
• An hourly rate is subject to experience and qualifications
• Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG
• Free uniform
• During a shift of eight hours or more a nutritious meal will be available
• 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 - a service providing around the clock GP consultation via an interactive app - available to you and your children under 16
• An opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues as part of an outstanding and committed team.
• Colleague discounts - Access to over 1600 high street discounts including carefully selected discount partners.
• Wellbeing - free of charge access to an independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme. This gives Colleagues and their family access to 24/7 365 support for a whole range of issues including physical, mental and financial issues
• Excellent recognition schemes such as \"Kindness in Care\" and Long Service Awards
• An attractive refer a friend scheme of up to £1000 per referral, depending on the role