Second Chef - Care Home

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

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Milton Keynes is looking for a Second Chef to create nutritious and flavorful menus while ensuring a warm environment for residents. You will assist the Head Chef in menu development, manage the kitchen during their absence, and work with fresh, seasonal produce to deliver high-quality dishes. This permanent role offers a competitive salary, flexibility in work patterns, and numerous employee benefits, including a rewarding bonus scheme.

Benefits

Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500

Unlimited access to refer a friend scheme

Access to retail and leisure discounts

Qualifications

• Experience working with fresh, seasonal food.
• Confidence engaging with residents to create appetising menus.
• Good understanding of nutrition and HACCP.

Responsibilities

• Manage the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence.
• Assist Head Chef in menu development.
• Engage with residents to design appetising menus.

Skills

Experience working with fresh, seasonal food

Confidence engaging with residents

Good understanding of nutrition

Good understanding of HACCP

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent qualification

Job description

Job Summary

Second Chef at Barchester Healthcare in Milton Keynes offers the chance to work with fresh, seasonal food and a better work‑life balance. The role supports the Head Chef in creating nutritious and flavoursome menus for residents while delivering hotel/restaurant standards. Barchester Healthcare is a leading healthcare provider in the UK with high‑quality ratings and exceptional employee benefits.

Main Duties

As a Second Chef you will work with fresh, seasonal produce to deliver high‑quality, wholesome dishes. You will assist the Head Chef in menu development, manage the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence, work within budget, and create a warm, efficient, and fun environment for residents. You will also tailor menus around residents’ preferences and maintain person‑centred care.

Responsibilities

• Manage the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence
• Assist Head Chef in menu development and work with fresh produce to deliver high‑quality dishes
• Create a warm, efficient, and fun environment within the home
• Work within budget and complete regular audits
• Manage stock control and complete regular audits
• Engage with residents to design appetising, nutritious menus

Qualifications (Essential)

• City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent qualification
• Good understanding of HACCP
• Experience working with fresh, seasonal food
• Personable and warm approach with genuine interest in residents’ wellbeing
• Confidence engaging with residents to create appetising and nutritious menus
• Good understanding of nutrition

Rewards Package

Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500 for a Good or Outstanding CQC inspection, unlimited access to the generous refer a friend scheme, access to retail and leisure discounts, free access to medical specialists, confidential counselling and legal services, tax code review service, and optional monthly staff lottery.

Job Details

Work pattern: Full-time, Part-time

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £14.74 an hour

Date posted: 08 January 2026

Reference number: 1452219941

Location: Barchester Healthcare, Milton Keynes, MK6 5LS