Second Chef - Care Home

TN United Kingdom; Hitchin; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Second Chef to join their team. This role offers a unique opportunity to work with fresh, seasonal ingredients while ensuring a warm and welcoming environment for residents. You will assist in crafting nutritious menus and manage kitchen operations when the Head Chef is absent. The company prides itself on delivering high-quality care and has received outstanding ratings in the healthcare sector. If you are driven by quality and wish to make a difference in people's lives, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Rewarding Excellence bonus

Refer-a-friend scheme

Retail and leisure discounts

Free access to medical specialists

Confidential counselling services

Tax code review service

Monthly staff lottery

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in residents' wellbeing and creating appetising menus.
• Experience in managing kitchen operations and menu development.

Responsibilities

• Manage the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence and assist in menu development.
• Deliver high-quality dishes using fresh produce while managing stock control.

Skills

Personable and warm approach

Understanding of nutrition

Experience with fresh seasonal food

Good understanding of HACCP

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

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Are you a qualified Chef looking to work with fresh seasonal food, with the opportunity to have more of a work-life balance and make what you do matter?

Working as a Second Chef at Barchester, you will have the chance to deliver hotel/restaurant standards without split shifts and long weeks. You will assist the Head Chef in creating nutritious, flavoursome, and well-balanced menus while working with residents to tailor menus around them. We pride ourselves on delivering person-centred hospitality across all our services and seek warm, motivated, and passionate chefs driven by quality.

At Barchester, we operate with an open, honest, and supportive approach, prioritizing quality of care. As sector-leading healthcare experts, we hold the highest quality ratings across our 224 homes and hospitals in the UK.

Barchester has been awarded a two-star outstanding rating by Best Companies, ranked 11th in the top 20 Best Health & Social Care Companies to work for, and 14th in the Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For in the UK.

Must Have

• A personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in residents' wellbeing
• Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent
• A good understanding of nutrition
• Experience working with fresh seasonal food
• The ability to create a warm and welcoming environment within our home
• Confidence engaging with residents to create appetising and nutritious menus
• Good understanding of HACCP

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence
• Assist Head Chef in menu development
• Work with fresh produce to deliver high-quality, wholesome dishes prepared to the highest standards
• Create a warm, efficient, and enjoyable environment
• Work within budget constraints
• Complete regular audits
• Manage stock control

Rewards Package

• Rewarding Excellence bonus — earn up to £500* for a Good or Outstanding CQC inspection
• Unlimited access to our refer-a-friend scheme, earning up to £500* per referral
• Access to retail and leisure discounts at major brands and supermarkets
• Free access to medical specialists for second opinions
• Confidential and free counselling and legal services
• Tax code review service to ensure correct tax payments
• Option to join our monthly staff lottery with colleagues nationwide

*Terms & conditions apply

If you are a passionate Chef eager to be part of a quality-driven company that celebrates life, Barchester is the place to be.