Second Chef Bank

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Second Chef and be part of an award-winning catering team. This role offers the chance to excel in a high-paced kitchen environment, where you'll create nutritious menus and make a meaningful difference in residents' lives. With opportunities for career progression and a supportive work culture, this position is ideal for aspiring chefs looking to enhance their skills while enjoying a work-life balance. If you're passionate about culinary excellence and improving others' lives, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Competitive Pay

Career Progression Opportunities

Refer a Friend Scheme

Free Training

Cycle to Work Scheme

Free DBS Check

Discounts Across Major Retailers

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Catering Diploma and NVQ Level 2/3 in practical cookery required.
• Knowledge of nutritionally balanced menu planning essential.

Responsibilities

• Control kitchen operations in the Head Chef's absence.
• Develop nutritious meals using fresh local produce.

Skills

Teamwork

Menu Planning

Culinary Development

Problem Solving

Education

Catering Diploma (City & Guilds/BTEC)

NVQ Level 2/3 in Practical Cookery

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

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Join Care UK as a Second Chef

If you’re an aspiring chef with experience in a high-paced kitchen environment, looking for a rewarding role with great training, work-life balance, and the chance to be part of an award-winning catering team, then join Care UK as a Second Chef and make a real difference.

Being a Second Chef at Care UK

Second Chefs at Care UK excel at teamwork. They share information, raise standards through culinary development and innovation, and utilize a large supply chain for catering needs. They have the autonomy to create nutritious, well-balanced menus for all. They are self-motivated, flexible, enthusiastic, and responsible for resolving issues, maintaining team discipline, and boosting morale. If you possess these attributes, this role could be perfect for you.

What you’ll be doing

Your role involves more than assisting the Head Chef: it includes taking control of the kitchen in their absence, using modern equipment and fresh local produce to develop meals that meet dietary needs, and helping to develop menus in consultation with residents. You will prepare food aligned with specific diets, ensuring flavor and nutrition are maintained. Ultimately, your work will make a meaningful difference in residents’ lives.

What you’ll need

Required qualifications include a Catering Diploma (City & Guilds/BTEC), NVQ Level 2/3 in practical cookery, and a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate. You should have good knowledge of nutritionally balanced menu planning and experience catering to specific dietary needs. Experience in a care home, stock control, or working within a budget is advantageous but not essential. Above all, you should have a genuine desire to improve others’ lives and be willing to work in a challenging yet rewarding environment.

The benefits

• Alternate weekends and sociable working hours
• Competitive pay, regularly reviewed according to local markets
• Opportunities for career progression into Head Chef roles
• Refer a friend scheme up to £1000
• Free training to develop your skills
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free DBS check
• Discounts across major retailers for everyday savings
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential support

Care UK is one of the UK’s leading care home providers, operating over 120 homes and day clubs offering residential, nursing, dementia, and end-of-life care. We are committed to supporting our employees’ growth through first-class training and support.