Second Chef, Care Home — Fresh Menus & Work-Life Balance

HealthJobs4U Ltd; Copthorne; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500

Refer a friend up to £500

Retail and leisure discounts

Access to medical specialists

Counselling and legal services

Tax code review service

Staff lottery participation

Job summary

Barchester is seeking a passionate Second Chef to work in our care homes, delivering hotel and restaurant standards with a focus on fresh seasonal food and resident wellbeing. You will support the Head Chef, develop nutritious menus, and help create a warm, welcoming kitchen that residents enjoy.

This role emphasizes work-life balance, no split shifts, and an open, supportive culture where quality of care stays at the heart of everything we do.

Qualifications

• Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent.
• Good understanding of nutrition and fresh seasonal ingredients.
• Ability to manage kitchen operations and budgets while engaging residents.

Responsibilities

• Manage the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence.
• Assist Head Chef in menu development and use of fresh produce.
• Create a warm, efficient and welcoming kitchen environment.
• Work within budget and complete regular audits.
• Manage stock control and kitchen logistics.

Skills

Personable & warm

Nutrition knowledge

Fresh seasonal food

Kitchen management

Resident engagement

HACCP

Education

City & Guilds / NVQ / SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Barchester is seeking a passionate Second Chef to work in our care homes, delivering hotel and restaurant standards with a focus on fresh seasonal food and resident wellbeing. You will support the Head Chef, develop nutritious menus, and help create a warm, welcoming kitchen that residents enjoy.

This role emphasizes work-life balance, no split shifts, and an open, supportive culture where quality of care stays at the heart of everything we do.