Second Chef - Care Home

Barchester Healthcare; Oulton Broad; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care home provider in the UK is seeking a passionate Second Chef to assist in delivering high-quality, nutritious meals in a supportive environment. This role includes managing kitchen operations in the Head Chef's absence, developing menus, and engaging with residents for tailored culinary experiences. Ideal candidates should have a relevant culinary qualification and an understanding of nutrition, and enjoy a warm, person-centered approach to dining. Competitive rewards and a balanced work-life await the successful applicant.

Benefits

Rewarding Excellence bonus

Retail and leisure discounts

Access to medical specialists

Confidential counselling and legal services

Tax code review service

Monthly staff lottery

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in creating delicious and nutritious meals for residents.
• Manage the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence.
• Develop menus tailored to residents' preferences.
• Create a warm and welcoming environment.

Skills

Personable and warm approach

Good understanding of nutrition

Experience of working with fresh seasonal food

Confidence engaging with residents

Understanding of HACCP

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent qualification

Job description

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.

Main duties of the job

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.

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.

Job responsibilities

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 the split shifts and long weeks. You will assist the Head Chef in creating nutritious, flavoursome and well balanced menus whilst working with residents to tailor menus around them. We are proud to deliver person centred hospitality across all our services and look for warm, motivated and passionate chefs who are driven by quality. Here at Barchester, we work with an open, honest, supportive approach, where quality of care is at the heart of everything we do. As sector leading healthcare experts, we are proud to have the highest quality ratings across our 224 homes and hospitals across the UK. Barchester have proudly 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.

Key requirements

• A personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents.
• Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent qualification.
• A good understanding of nutrition.
• Experience of working with fresh seasonal food.
• The ability to create a warm and welcoming environment within the home.
• Confidence engaging with residents to create appetising and nutritious menus.
• A good understanding of HACCP.
• The ability to manage the kitchen in the Head Chef\'s absence and assist with menu development.
• Work with fresh produce to deliver high-quality and wholesome dishes cooked to high standards.
• Create a warm, efficient and fun environment.
• Work within budget and complete regular audits.

REWARDS PACKAGE

Rewarding Excellence bonus, meaning you will be financially rewarded by up to £500* for a Good or Outstanding CQC inspection. Unlimited access to our generous refer a friend scheme, earning up to £500* per referral. Access to a wide range of retail and leisure discounts at big brands and supermarkets. Free access to medical specialists, who are available for a second opinion if you need it to make a decision with confidence. Confidential and free access to counselling and legal services. Tax code review service, where we will check that you are on the right code and paying the right level of tax. Option to join our monthly staff lottery alongside thousands of colleagues across the UK*Terms & conditions apply.

If you are a passionate Chef who is keen to be part of a company that is driven by quality and who love to celebrate life, Barchester is the place to be.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• You will need to hold a City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent qualification, as well as a good understanding of nutrition and experience working with fresh, seasonal produce. Strong communication skills, the ability to create a warm and welcoming environment, and a good understanding of HACCP are also required.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.