Second Chef

Care UK; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Alternate weekends

Bank holiday pay

Apprenticeship scheme

Discounts

Holiday scheme

Wellbeing support

Wagestream

Job summary

Care UK is seeking an aspiring Second Chef to lead a busy kitchen focused on fresh, seasonal produce and high-quality resident meals. You will drive team performance and ensure exceptional kitchen service in a care setting.

The role offers strong development through our Catering Academy, with a commitment to training and progression within a values-driven team.

Qualifications

• Experience in fast-paced kitchen with emphasis on fresh and seasonal produce.
• Aspiring Second Chef seeking career development within a care environment.
• Experience leading a kitchen team and coordinating service.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
• Develop nutritious, diet-sensitive meals for residents.
• Design and plan menus.
• Manage stock and food costs.
• Ensure Food Safety and Health & Safety compliance.
• Train, supervise and develop staff to maximise potential.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu design

Stock management

Food safety

Training & development

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.