Second Chef

Care UK; Bishop's Stortford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Alternate weekends

Bank holiday pay

Career development

Discounts

Holiday scheme

Wellbeing support

Wagestream

Job summary

Care UK is seeking a Second Chef for our care home operations. The role focuses on leading a kitchen team to deliver fresh, seasonal dishes with a strong emphasis on resident nutrition and dietary needs.

You will design menus, manage stock and costs, and ensure strict food safety and health & safety standards while training and developing staff for long-term growth.

Qualifications

• Experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Fresh and seasonal produce emphasis.
• Aspiring Second Chef with leadership potential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team to ensure smooth operation.
• Develop nutritious, diet-sensitive meals for residents.
• Design and plan weekly menus.
• Manage stock control and food cost adherence.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety and Health & Safety standards.
• Train, supervise and develop the catering team.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Menu design

Food safety

Stock control

Job description

Are you an aspiring Second Chef with experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment with an emphasis on fresh and seasonal produce? Looking for a rewarding career with excellent training and opportunities for development? Then join Care UK, a multi award winning care provider as a Second Chef.

The Role

• Leading the team in the smooth running of the kitchen operation
• Develop nutritious and diet sensitive meals for residents and their requirements
• Menu design and planning
• Managing stock control and adhering to food cost guidelines
• Ensure compliance with both Food Safety and Health and Safety in the kitchen
• Training, supervising, and developing a team to help them make the most of their potential

Some of our benefits by joining the Care UK family

• Alternate weekend and social working hours
• Bank Holiday Pay Enhancements* (*where applicable)
• Career development, training and access to our approved apprenticeship scheme
• Hundreds of online and in-store discounts
• Annual purchase holiday scheme
• Wellbeing support
• Wagestream- access your wages at any-time

Career Development

We have our own Catering Academy to provide excellent training and induction programs for all new Catering Staff and we will give you all thats needed to have a successful career as a Chef with us. Our high quality, innovative training and coaching will support the development of your skills throughout your career with us.
We are looking for people to make a difference to residents lives every day. When you join Care UK youll be joining a team who all share the same values: caring, passionate and teamwork. You will have a strong desire to help people and put residents at the heart of everything you do.
We are committed to recruiting diverse, talented people, who share our passion for helping others. We see the potential in everyone, let us help fulfil yours.

Our new care home in Saffron Walden opens its doors in spring 2026. At Care UK's Bailey Lodge in Saffron Walden, providing the highest standard of care for residents will be at the heart of what we do. As part of our friendly team, you'll have the opportunity to develop your career and the support to go far. Our team will work in a luxury, purpose-built home in warm and welcoming surroundings. We'll provide short term and permanent residential and dementia care with fantastic facilities for residents, including our own coffee shop and hair salon, as well as a cinema room and lovely landscaped gardens. We truly believe that every one of us makes a difference. If you're a passionate, caring individual who works well in a team, consider a rewarding career at Bailey Lodge.