Second Chef

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

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK is looking for a Second Chef to support the Head Chef in creating nutritious and flavoursome menus. This role involves managing the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence and working closely with residents' preferences. Ideal candidates should possess a relevant culinary qualification, a good understanding of nutrition, and experience with fresh seasonal food. The position offers a rewarding package including bonuses and discounts in addition to a supportive working environment.

Benefits

Rewarding Excellence bonus

Refer-a-friend scheme

Retail and leisure discounts

Free access to medical specialists

Confidential counselling services

Tax code review service

Staff lottery option

Qualifications

• Experience working with fresh seasonal food.
• Good understanding of HACCP.
• Genuine interest in residents' wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Manage the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence.
• Assist Head Chef in menu development.
• Work with fresh produce to deliver high quality dishes.

Skills

Understanding of nutrition

Personable and warm approach

Ability to create a welcoming environment

Education

City & Guilds, NVQ, SVQ or equivalent qualification

Job description

Job summary

The job is for a Second Chef position at Barchester Healthcare, a leading healthcare provider with 224 homes and hospitals across the UK. The role involves assisting the Head Chef in creating nutritious and flavoursome menus while working closely with residents to cater to their preferences. Barchester is known for its high‑quality ratings and is a great place to work, offering a range of benefits and rewards.

Main duties of the job

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. Barchester is proud to deliver person‑centred hospitality across all their services and are looking for warm, motivated and passionate chefs who are driven by quality.

About us

Barchester Healthcare is a leading healthcare provider in the UK, operating 224 homes and hospitals across the country. They are known for their high‑quality ratings, having been awarded a two‑star outstanding rating by Best Companies and ranking among the top 20 Best Health & Social Care Companies to work for and the Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For in the UK.

Details

Date posted: 21 January 2026

Pay scheme: Other

Salary: £17 an hour

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time, Part‑time

Reference number: 1455857996

Job location: Barchester Healthcare, Chorleywood, WD3 5BY

Job description

Are you a qualified Chef looking to work with fresh seasonal food, with the opportunity to have a better 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 has 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 responsibilities

• 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 cooked at the highest standards.
• Create a warm, efficient and fun environment.
• Work within budget.
• Complete regular audits.
• Manage stock control.

Reward 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).

Person specification

Qualifications – Essential

• Occupy a City & Guilds, NVQ, SVQ or equivalent qualification.
• Have a good understanding of nutrition.
• Experience of working with fresh seasonal food.
• Personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents.
• The ability to create a warm and welcoming environment within our home.
• Good understanding of HACCP.

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.

Employer details

Barchester Healthcare

Chorleywood

WD3 5BY

Website: https://www.barchester.com/