Second Chef - Care Home

Integrated Care System; Swindon; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Swindon is looking for a Second Chef to create nutritious, seasonal menus and manage kitchen operations. The ideal candidate should have experience with fresh produce, a City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ qualification, and a warm, personable approach towards residents. The role includes ensuring high-quality standards without long shifts, fostering a supportive dining environment.

Benefits

Bonus up to £500 for good inspection

Refer-a-friend scheme

Retail and leisure discounts

Free access to medical specialists

Counselling services

Tax code review service

Option to join staff lottery

Qualifications

• Must have a genuine interest in residents' wellbeing.
• Ability to create a welcoming environment.
• Understanding of HACCP.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Personable and warm approach

Understanding of nutrition

Experience with fresh seasonal produce

Strong communication skills

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent qualification

Job description

Barchester Healthcare is a leading provider of high-quality healthcare services in the UK, with a reputation for delivering exceptional care and support to residents in their 224 homes and hospitals. The company is committed to providing a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment for both residents and staff, and is proud to have been recognized as a top employer in the health and social care sector.

Main duties of the job

As a Second Chef at Barchester, you will work with fresh, seasonal ingredients to create nutritious, flavoursome, and well-balanced menus for residents. You will assist the Head Chef in developing these menus and work closely with residents to meet their dietary needs and preferences. The role requires a personable and warm approach, with a genuine interest in residents' wellbeing. You will also manage the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence, conduct regular audits, and maintain stock control.

About us

Barchester Healthcare is a leading provider of high-quality healthcare services in the UK, with a reputation for delivering exceptional care and support to residents in their 224 homes and hospitals. The company is committed to providing a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment for both residents and staff, and is proud to have been recognized as a top employer in the health and social care sector.

Job responsibilities

Are you a qualified Chef seeking to work with fresh seasonal food, with better work-life balance and meaningful work? As a Second Chef at Barchester, you will deliver hotel/restaurant standards without split shifts or long weeks. You will assist in creating nutritious, flavoursome, and well-balanced menus, working with residents to tailor menus to their needs. We value warm, motivated, and passionate chefs driven by quality. We foster an open, honest, and supportive environment, prioritizing quality of care. Barchester is proud to hold 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, 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 welcoming environment
- Confidence engaging with residents to develop appetising, nutritious menus
- Good understanding of HACCP

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

Rewards package

Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500 for a Good or Outstanding CQC inspection.
Unlimited access to our refer-a-friend scheme, earning up to £500 per referral.
Access to retail and leisure discounts.
Free access to medical specialists and counselling services.
Tax code review service.
Option to join our staff lottery.
*Terms & conditions apply.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent qualification
• Understanding of nutrition and experience with fresh, seasonal produce
• Strong communication skills and ability to create a welcoming environment

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure check will be required to check for any criminal convictions.