Second Chef - Care Home

NHS; Lowestoft; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a Second Chef to assist in delivering high-quality, fresh cuisine to residents. This role involves managing the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence, developing nutritious menus, and creating a warm environment. Ideal candidates will have relevant qualifications and experience with seasonal food. The position offers a flexible working pattern and various rewards for excellence.

Benefits

Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500

Refer a friend scheme up to £500 per referral

Access to discounts at brands and supermarkets

Free access to medical specialists

Confidential counselling and legal services

Qualifications

• Hold relevant culinary qualifications.
• Good understanding of nutritional food preparation.
• Experience in handling seasonal ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Manage the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence.
• Assist Head Chef in creating nutritious menus.
• Ensure high quality and efficient kitchen operations.
• Engage residents to tailor menus to their preferences.

Skills

Good understanding of nutrition

Experience working with fresh seasonal food

Ability to create a warm and welcoming environment

Confident engaging with residents

Good understanding of HACCP

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent qualification

Job description

Overview

Job summary

The Second Chef role at Barchester Healthcare provides an opportunity to work in a care home environment, delivering high-quality, fresh, and seasonal cuisine to residents. The successful candidate will have the chance to work alongside the Head Chef, creating nutritious and well-balanced menus, while also ensuring a warm and welcoming environment for the residents.

Responsibilities

As a Second Chef at Barchester Healthcare, you will assist the Head Chef in creating delicious and nutritious meals for the residents. You will have the opportunity to work with fresh, seasonal produce to deliver hotel/restaurant standards without the long hours and split shifts often associated with the industry. Your role will involve managing the kitchen in the Head Chef\'s absence, developing menus, and ensuring a high level of quality and efficiency in the kitchen. You will also engage with residents to tailor the menus to their preferences and needs, creating a warm and welcoming environment.

Job responsibilities include:

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

Qualifications

• Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent qualification
• Good understanding of nutrition
• Experience working with fresh seasonal food
• Ability to create a warm and welcoming environment
• Confident engaging with residents to create appetising and nutritious menus
• Good understanding of HACCP

Rewards and Benefits

• Rewarding Excellence bonus, up to £500 for a Good or Outstanding CQC inspection
• Refer a friend scheme, up to £500 per referral
• Access to discounts at brands and supermarkets
• Free access to medical specialists for second opinions
• Confidential counselling and legal services
• Tax code review service
• Option to join monthly staff lottery

Details

• Date posted: 16 September 2025
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £14.49 an hour
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
• Reference number: 1381981984
• Job locations: Barchester Healthcare, Oulton Broad, NR32 3AX

About us

Barchester Healthcare is a leading provider of healthcare services in the UK, operating 224 homes and hospitals across the country. The company is committed to delivering the highest quality of care and has been recognized for its outstanding ratings and work environment. Barchester is driven by a focus on quality, and they seek passionate and motivated professionals who share their values.

Other

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.