Chef Chef

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

Job summary

A leading care home provider in Milton Keynes is seeking a dedicated Chef to prepare nutritious meals catered to residents' needs. The role includes menu planning, upholding food safety standards, and collaborating with a caring kitchen team. Ideal candidates have NVQ2 in Catering and previous kitchen experience. This position offers competitive hourly pay and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Great work-life balance

Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG

Free uniform

Nutritious meal during shifts

Company pension scheme

28 days annual leave

Group life assurance cover

Wagestream access

Learning and development support

GP online services

Colleague discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Recognition schemes

Refer-a-friend scheme

Qualifications

• Recognised qualification in catering.
• Experience in similar kitchen settings.
• Strong creativity in menu planning.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious, appetising meals for residents.
• Plan menus and ensure balanced dietary requirements.
• Maintain food safety standards.

Skills

Catering skills

Food safety knowledge

Creativity in menu planning

Education

NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

About HC-One

At HC-One, kindness is at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for a dedicated Chef who brings skills and passion for food into our care home kitchen. You will play a vital role in preparing and serving wholesome homemade meals that meet nutritional needs and bring comfort and enjoyment to our residents every day.

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.
• We are dependable—people can always count on us.

Role Overview

As a Chef, you will be responsible for preparing nutritious, appetising meals for residents, planning menus, maintaining food safety standards, and creating a positive, caring kitchen environment. You will also be a team player, support technology‑driven care planning, and ensure safeguarding protocols are upheld.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve nutritious, appetising meals to residents.
• Plan menus and ensure balanced dietary requirements.
• Maintain food safety standards, applying HACCP principles.
• Present dishes with pride and care.
• Collaborate with the kitchen team and uphold a positive, caring approach.
• Participate in safeguarding training and report concerns appropriately.

Qualifications & Experience

• Recognised qualification, holding an NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery.
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Experience in a similar kitchen setting.
• Knowledge of HACCP and food safety procedures.
• Strong creativity in menu planning.

Location

Milton Keynes – The Applewood – Catering department.

Remuneration

£14.20 to £14.80 per hour, subject to experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Great work‑life balance.
• Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG.
• Free uniform.
• Nutritious meal during 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.
• Award‑winning learning and development and support to achieve qualifications.
• GP online – around‑the‑clock GP consultation via an interactive app.
• Opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues.
• Colleague discounts – access to over 1600 high‑street discounts.
• Wellbeing – free access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
• Excellent recognition schemes such as 'Kindness in Care' and Long Service Awards.
• Refer‑a‑friend scheme up to £1,000 per referral.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds into the HC-One family and prioritise inclusive working practices across everything we do.

Legal & Eligibility

Only individuals with the full right to work in the UK are considered. We cannot offer sponsorship or accept applications from those on a time‑limited visa. Applications not meeting this criteria will not be progressed.