Second Chef/Cook (Care homes)

Blue Octopus; England; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity is seeking a dynamic Second Chef/Cook to join their new care home in Calcot. In this vital role, you will help foster a positive culinary environment while ensuring high standards of hygiene and safety. Contribute to the wellbeing of older residents and be a part of a dedicated team delivering exceptional care.

Benefits

Group Pension Plan

Generous annual leave

Wellbeing support

Learning and development opportunities

Monthly prize draw

Retail discount schemes

Health cash plans

Cycle to work scheme

Long service awards

Uniforms provided

Free DBS checks

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role required.
• Ability to use digital technology for ordering supplies.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Support the Kitchen/Chef Manager in leading the kitchen team.
• Train and develop team members to expected standards.
• Maintain hygienic and safe working practices.

Skills

Food Handling

Teamwork

Organization

Education

Relevant Food Handling Qualification

Job description

Contract Type: Permanent - Full Time

Work Pattern: Working on a rolling rota of 3 consecutive days on and 3 consecutive days off.

Hours: 35 per week (10 hours shifts 8am to 6pm) - Days and Weekends

Friends of the Elderly (FotE) is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to providing excellent care with a family feel. We have been supporting older people for over 120 years. The charity provides care home and day care services for older people, as well as grants for older people in financial difficulty.

About Friends Place, Calcot

Due to open in July 2025, Friends Place, Calcot will be more than just a care home; it will be a vibrant, welcoming community designed to provide exceptional residential, dementia, and respite care.

Run by Friends of the Elderly, where we pride ourselves on delivering personalised, compassionate care in a state-of-the-art facility.

Located in the heart of Calcot, Reading, our home will feature:

• A cinema for residents to enjoy movie nights and entertainment.

• A stylish salon offering professional pampering.

• A peaceful library for reading and reflection.

• A vibrant bar for socialising and relaxation.

The modern facilities are designed to create a warm and homely environment where residents feel safe, valued, and supported.

We are recruiting for a Second Chef/Cook to join the team.

Joining us as a Second Chef/Cook, you will work as part of a dedicated team that embraces challenges with a can-do attitude. On a day-to-day basis, you will support the Kitchen/Chef Manager to lead the kitchen team by supervising and motivating colleagues to ensure effective team performance and help create an atmosphere where a passion for great food and service is embedded within the team.

You will help to train and develop team members to standards expected, demonstrating a positive, respectful, and professional approach, and plan and cost menus within agreed budgets.

You will also ensure that we maintain hygienic and safe working practices in compliance with legislation and company Food Hygiene and Health and Safety Policies.

We are looking for a catering professional with a relevant food handling qualification and good experience in a similar role, who is committed to continuous improvement and seeking opportunities for learning.

You’ll need to have the ability to use various forms of digital technology to assist with ordering supplies, along with being organized and methodical with tasks.

An excellent team player, you’ll be able to recognize and report situations where safeguarding might be needed.

This isn’t just a job; it’s about making a difference to older people’s lives every day.

Why Join Friends of the Elderly?

Heritage of Care: Work with a trusted organisation backed by over a century of expertise.

Non-Profit Mission: Be part of a charity that prioritises people, not profit. While we take a commercial approach, we are not for profit and committed to our charitable values.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Lead a cutting-edge care home designed for comfort and community.

Professional Development: Access training and career development opportunities.

Make Your Mark: This is a unique opportunity to shape the culture and success of a new care home, leaving a lasting impact on residents and the community.

In return for your dedication, you will enjoy a wealth of benefits:

• Group Pension Plan, with a 6% contribution from us.

• Generous annual leave.

• Wellbeing support through various initiatives, including an employee assistance programme.

• Learning, development, and progression opportunities.

• Monthly prize draw, with 3 prizes to be won.

• Retail discount schemes to make your salary go further.

• Access to loans at affordable rates, saving directly from salary and advance pay already earned.

• Health cash plans for you and your family.

• Cycle to work scheme.

• Long service awards that increase with length of service.

• Refer a friend bonus of £200.

• Uniforms are provided.

• Free DBS checks.

Safeguarding:

Keeping everyone safe is a core value of the charity and central to our work. All staff follow our Safeguarding Policy & Procedures, and any suspicions of abuse should be reported immediately.

Criminal record checks:

As this role involves a regulated activity, successful applicants will undergo an enhanced DBS check, including barred list checks. Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory outcome. Having a criminal record does not necessarily exclude you from employment, depending on circumstances.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:

We strive to treat all staff equally and create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves and appreciate each other’s differences. We welcome applications from those with the right to work in the UK, but do not currently sponsor visas.

Don’t delay your application, as we may close the vacancy early if we fill the position. We interview applicants as they apply.