Peripatetic Chef

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

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Peripatetic Chef to deliver high-quality fresh food across multiple care homes in Rochester. This role emphasizes a personable approach to resident wellbeing and strong kitchen management skills. Candidates should have experience with fresh seasonal food and relevant qualifications. Offering a competitive hourly rate and a supportive work environment, this position is ideal for chefs looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a work-life balance.

Benefits

Work life balance

Competitive rate of pay + travel costs

Holiday, retail and leisure discounts

Opportunity to showcase talent at the annual awards

Refer a Friend bonus scheme

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in working with fresh food.
• Good understanding of nutrition and culinary skills.
• Ability to create a welcoming environment within our home.

Responsibilities

• Support several care home teams in delivering high quality fresh food.
• Engage with residents and ensure their wellbeing.
• Showcase culinary skills and manage kitchen operations.

Skills

Personable approach

Understanding of nutrition

Experience with fresh seasonal food

Strong kitchen management skills

Confidence engaging with residents

Education

NVQs/SVQs or City & Guilds equivalent

Up-to-date food hygiene certification

Job description

Job Summary

The Peripatetic Chef role at Barchester Healthcare offers a unique opportunity for qualified chefs to join a sector-leading healthcare provider. This position provides a work-life balance with the chance to make a meaningful impact, supporting multiple care homes in the region by delivering high-quality, fresh food to residents.

Barchester Healthcare is a prestigious organization with a two-star outstanding rating and recognition as one of the best companies to work for in the UK.

Main Duties

As a Peripatetic Chef at Barchester Healthcare, you will have the chance to showcase your culinary skills and passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients while supporting several care home teams. This role offers a personable approach, with a focus on resident wellbeing and the creation of a warm, welcoming environment within the homes.

You will need to demonstrate experience in working with fresh food, a good understanding of nutrition, and strong kitchen management skills. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of company that centers on celebrating life and making a difference.

About Us

Barchester Healthcare is a leading healthcare provider in the UK, operating 224 care homes and hospitals. The company is known for its commitment to quality of care, with a two-star outstanding rating and recognition as one of the best companies to work for in the UK. Barchester has an ambitious new build program, aiming to open 10 brand new purpose-built homes per year, and is dedicated to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment for its employees.

Job Details

• Reference number: 1453948978
• Location: Barchester Healthcare, Rochester, ME1 2BQ
• Posted: 12 January 2026
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
• Salary: £19 an hour

Job Responsibilities

Are you a qualified Chef looking for more of a work life balance whilst looking for an opportunity to make what you do matter? We are currently looking for a Peripatetic Chef to join the Barchester family to help support our care homes in and around the region.

Great opportunity to help support several teams and homes in delivering high quality fresh food. Here at the Barchester family, we work with an open, honest, supportive approach, where quality of care is at the heart of everything we do.

As sector leading healthcare experts, we are proud to have the highest quality ratings across our 224 homes and hospitals across the UK. It is an exciting time to join the Barchester family. We have an ambitious new builds programme, aiming to open 10 brand new purpose-built homes per year.

About You

• A personable approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents
• A good understanding of nutrition
• Experience of working with fresh seasonal food
• NVQs/SVQs or City & Guilds equivalent, up-to-date food hygiene certification
• Ability to create a warm and welcoming environment within our home
• Confidence engaging with residents
• Strong kitchen management skills

Rewards Package

Work life balance - working days with alternate weekends

Competitive rate of pay + travel costs

A range of holiday, retail and leisure discounts

Opportunity to showcase your talent at the annual Barchester Hospitality Awards

Unlimited access to our Refer a Friend bonus scheme

Disclosures

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Contact

For further information please contact Tara Connor on [e-mail]

Employer website: https://www.barchester.com/