Relief Chef

Quantum Care; Welwyn Garden City; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with enhanced pay

Mileage allowance

Company pension scheme

Free DBS check and uniform

Employee Assistance Programme 24/7

First-class in-house training

Job summary

Quantum Care is seeking an Experienced Relief Chef to cover our Watford and St Albans care homes across Hertfordshire. This hands-on leadership role leads kitchen teams, creates nutritious menus, and delivers warm, quality meals for residents while travelling between homes as needed.

You will hold a C&G 706/01 or NVQ Intermediate Food Hygiene certificate, be well organised, and able to step in for the Chef Manager when required.

Qualifications

• C&G 706/01/706/02 or NVQ Intermediate Food Hygiene/Safety certification is required.
• Must be well organised and able to lead in the Chef Manager's absence.
• Sensitivity to the needs of older people and travel to multiple homes as needed.

Responsibilities

• Cover and support catering teams across the homes in delivering safe, nutritious meals.
• Plan and develop standard recipes and menus for the homes.
• Work with residents to create new menus meeting needs and tastes.
• Contribute to dining events, including Quantum Care’s Dining Club concept.

Skills

Well organised

Team leadership

People oriented

Willing to travel

Education

C&G 706/01, 706/02 or NVQ Intermediate Food Hygiene/Safety

Job description

Pay: £32,634 per annum + £5500 Mileage allowance

Shift Times: 8.30am to 5pm/9am to 5.30pm – Weekdays and alternative Weekends

Location: Hertfordshire - Working across our Watford and St Albans Care Homes

Contract: Full Time - Perm

Hour: 37 hours per week

Quantum Care is a no‑for‑profit organisation supporting over 2,000 older people across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Essex. Our mission is simple: to help our residents live well, with dignity, comfort and joy.

Make Every Day Matter.

We are seeking an Experienced Relief Chef to join our Catering Team to provide Cover to our Care Home Chefs across Watford and St Albans and surrounding.

As a Relief Chef we are looking for a passionate and well‑organised Chef to take lead in our kitchen, creating nutritious, comforting meals our residents can truly enjoy. This is a hands‑on leadership role where your culinary flair and organisational skills will make a genuine difference every day – bringing warmth, care and quality to every plate. As well as be flexible and willingness to travel and adapt.

What You’ll Bring

• The holder of a C&G 706/01, 706/02 or NVQ equivalent Intermediate Food Hygiene/ Safety certificate.
• Well organised.
• Able to lead a team in the absence of the Chef Manager.
• Sensitive to the needs of older people.
• Willing to travel to our different homes when needed.

Your Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Working with the Support Services Manager to provide cover and support to the homes catering teams in delivering a safe, nutritious, cost effective quality service to all customers.
• Planning and developing standard recipes and menus across the homes.
• Working with our residents you will support the creation of new menus to meet their needs and suit their tastes.
• The opportunity to be involved in our fine dining events, using Quantum Care’s award-winning Dining Club concept.

Why Join Quantum Care?

We value our teams and invest in their wellbeing, growth and success. In return for your dedication, you’ll receive:

• Competitive salary with enhanced pay on weekends and Bank Holidays
• Clear career development pathways and recognition of milestones
• First‑class in‑house training from day one
• Free Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 support
• Company pension scheme (after 1 year of service)
• Free DBS check and uniform
• Access to retail discounts and exclusive offers
• A supportive, values‑driven workplace where your contribution truly matters

Terms and Conditions apply to all benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well‑established organisation offering rewarding work, a strong sense of purpose and real opportunities for progression. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who have the right to work in the UK. Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time.

An Overseas Police Check/ Certificate of Good Conduct may be required if you have lived or worked outside the UK for 12 Months or more, spent a significant period overseas, or worked abroad in a position of trust. This will be in addition to a mandatory Enhanced DBS check.

#HQ