Second Chef

Care South; England; On-site; GBP 1,000; Full time

Job summary

A care home provider in Dorchester is seeking a Second Chef to create and prepare nutritious meals for residents. The role requires passion for cooking, experience in food production, and strong organizational skills. Join a dedicated team focused on delivering high-quality care while adhering to health and safety standards. Competitive pay and flexible hours are offered.

Benefits

Online/retail discounts

Paid induction and training

Employee referral bonus scheme

Free DBS check

Contributory pension scheme

Life insurance

Career progression

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Passion for cooking is essential.
• Experience in a kitchen preparing high-quality meals is preferred.
• Understanding of health and safety legislation is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Create and prepare nutritious meals for residents.
• Plan menus considering residents' dietary needs.
• Support and supervise the kitchen team.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations.
• Assume Head Chef responsibilities when necessary.

Skills

Passion for cooking

Organisational skills

Team leadership

Education

NVQ Level 2 Food Production/Hygiene

Job description

About The Role

Join Our Caring Community at Maiden Castle House!
Role: Second Chef
Location: Maiden Castle House Residential Home, Dorchester (DT1 2NJ)
Pay: £13.50 per hour
Hours: 36 hours per week
Shift Pattern: 4 Day Working Week – (with alternate weekends off)

Who are we looking for

• Someone with a passion for cooking!
• You will be organised with the ability to meet deadlines. Ideally you will have experience working in a kitchen producing attractive and high‑quality meals in high volumes.
• We’re looking for someone with a Certificate in NVQ Level 2 Food Production/Hygiene or interested in undertaking one. You will need an understanding of health and safety and other current relevant legislation.
• Confidence to take the lead when needed as well as be a team player.

What you will be doing

• Creating, preparing and cooking nutritious meals for our residents – ensuring quality & presentation is always to a high standard.
• Planning meals/menus – consulting with residents and care staff to ensure that individual dietary needs and preferences are catered for across all residents.
• Alongside our Head Chef – supervise and support our kitchen team.
• Ensuring all health & safety and other relevant legislation is adhered to within your area.
• Covering for the Head Chef when necessary: assuming responsibility for ordering, checking in and controlling supplies.

Make a Real Difference Every Day

Everyone working at Care South is dedicated to providing the best quality care to all our residents. We all share and work hard to uphold our HEART values, ensuring that throughout the delivery of care, we consistently demonstrate Honesty, Excellence, Approach, Respect and Teamwork.

Our care homes don’t just provide companionship and social interaction, they provide a happy and fulfilling lifestyle for residents, delivering Food, Fun and Friendship, as well as compassionate person‑centred care. Our fantastic facilities, exciting social activities and exceptional care teams all help to enhance the health and happiness of our residents.

No two residents are the same and we love to learn about their amazing life stories, hobbies and interests. This allows us to tailor our activities to suit their likes and favourite pastimes, as well as really get to know them and build strong relationships.

Food, Fun and Friendship is at the HEART of everything we do!

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

• Ongoing training and development.
• Receiving support from a friendly, experienced team and colleagues.
• Delivering person‑centred care that truly makes a difference.
• Encouraging residents to stay independent and active.
• Assisting with personal care and mobility needs.
• Building genuine friendships with residents.
• Creating a positive, team‑focused atmosphere within the home.

Your Rewards and Benefits

• Online/retail discounts – Blue Light Card.
• Paid induction and training.
• Employee referral bonus scheme.
• Free DBS check.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Life insurance.
• NMC pin fees paid by us.
• Staff association.
• Local staff reward programme.
• On‑site learning and development team.
• Career progression.
• Competitive pay rates.
• Flexible working hours.
• Employee assistance and wellbeing programmes.

What You Need to Know

• You must be 18 years or older.
• We are unable to offer Visa Sponsorship.

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re kind, caring, and ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of something truly special.

About The Company

PEOPLE | PASSION | PURPOSE
Care South are one of the top 20 rated Care Home Groups in the UK based on published reviews from residents and their family and friends at carehome.co.uk.
As a not-for-profit charity, our HEART values are key to us providing outstanding care. For more information about us, our values and benefits, please visit our website: http://www.care-south.co.uk/about-us.

For any questions please contact the recruitment team on 01202 712448.