Second Chef

One to One personnel Limited; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established company in Southend-on-Sea is looking for a passionate Second Chef to join their dynamic kitchen team. The role involves preparing meals for daily services and events while overseeing kitchen operations in the absence of the Head Chef. This position offers an opportunity to grow within a friendly, supportive environment, along with competitive pay and benefits including holiday entitlement and pension scheme.

Benefits

28 days holiday including bank holidays

Overtime paid for additional shifts

On-site parking

Pension scheme

Use of facilities

40% off staff food when on shift

Qualifications

• Experience in cooking and leadership role required.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings.
• Maintaining food hygiene and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Chef in meal preparation and cooking.
• Oversee kitchen operations when Head Chef is absent.
• Ensure high standards of food quality and hygiene.

Skills

Cooking high-volume meals

Leadership

Food Quality Standards

Education

NVQ in Professional Cookery

Food Hygiene Level 2 or 3

Job description

Second Chef

Southend-on-Sea | up to £28,000 | 37.5 Hours per week

The Company

If you’re passionate about food, enjoy working in a team, and are looking to join a welcoming and established organisation, we’d love to hear from you!

Our client dedicated to investing in recreational facilities in Southend-on-Sea. Their busy, friendly team at the complex operates 7 days a week, 364 days a year, delivering high-quality hospitality and food service for a diverse range of customers.

The Role:

Our client is currently seeking an experienced Second Chef to join their dynamic kitchen team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and experienced chef to support the Head Chef and take responsibility in their absence. You’ll play a key role in preparing and delivering a wide range of meals for daily service and events.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Head Chef and work independently to prepare and cook high-volume meals
• Oversee kitchen operations and staff when the Head Chef is absent
• Maintain high standards of food quality, hygiene, and safety
• Contribute to a positive team environment and support kitchen efficiency

Requirements:

• NVQ or equivalent in professional cookery
• Food Hygiene Level 2 or 3 (can renew certification if needed)
• Proven experience in a similar cooking and leadership role
• Ability to work flexibly including occasional evening shifts (until 9:30pm as needed)

Hours & Schedule:

• Average 37.5 hours/week across 5 days
• Shift lengths vary between 7–9 hours
• General hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm, with some evening shifts for functions

What’s in it for you?

• £26,000 to £28,000 per annum (based on experience)
• Holiday entitlement 28 days including bank holidays
• Overtime paid for additional shifts
• On-site parking
• Pension scheme
• Use of facilities
• 40% off staff food when on shift