Second Chef - Care Home

Integrated Care System; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care home provider in Stoke-on-Trent is seeking a qualified Second Chef to deliver high-quality meals in a supportive environment. The role includes assisting the Head Chef with menu creation, managing the kitchen when needed, and providing a warm atmosphere for residents. Applicants should have a relevant qualification and experience with fresh food. This position offers a rewarding package including bonuses and discounts.

Benefits

Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500 for a Good or Outstanding CQC inspection

Refer a friend scheme earning up to £500 per referral

Retail and leisure discounts

Access to medical specialists, counselling, and legal services

Tax code review service

Option to join staff lottery

Qualifications

• Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent qualification.
• Good understanding of nutrition.
• Experience working with fresh seasonal food.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in creating nutritious, flavoursome, and well-balanced menus.
• Manage the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence.
• Maintain stock control and create a warm environment.

Skills

Personable and warm approach

Good understanding of nutrition

Experience with fresh seasonal food

Strong interpersonal skills

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

This is a role for a qualified chef to work in a care home setting, providing hotel/restaurant quality meals while maintaining a work-life balance. The job involves assisting the Head Chef in creating nutritious and tailored menus for residents, working in a supportive and quality-focused environment.

Main duties of the job

As the Second Chef, you will assist the Head Chef in creating nutritious, flavoursome, and well-balanced menus for the care home residents. You will have the opportunity to work with fresh, seasonal produce and tailor the menus around the preferences and dietary needs of the residents. The role also involves managing the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence, maintaining stock control, and creating a warm and efficient environment for the team.

About us

Barchester Healthcare is a leading provider of healthcare services in the UK, operating 224 care homes and hospitals across the country. They are committed to delivering high-quality, person-centered care and have been recognized for their excellence, including a two-star outstanding rating from Best Companies.

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, and supportive approach, where quality of care is at the heart of everything we do. Barchester has the highest quality ratings across our 224 homes and hospitals in the UK. We have 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.

**Requirements:**

• Personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in residents' wellbeing
• 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
• Confidence engaging with residents to create appetising and nutritious menus
• Good understanding of HACCP

Manage the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence, assist in menu development, work with fresh produce, create a warm and efficient environment, work within budget, complete audits, and manage stock control.

Rewards package includes:

• Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500 for a Good or Outstanding CQC inspection
• Refer a friend scheme earning up to £500 per referral
• Retail and leisure discounts
• Access to medical specialists, counselling, and legal services
• Tax code review service
• Option to join staff lottery

If you are passionate about being part of a quality-driven company who loves to celebrate life, Barchester is the place for you.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent
• Good understanding of nutrition and experience with fresh, seasonal food
• Strong interpersonal skills and understanding of HACCP

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to a DBS check as per the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.