Second Chef/Cook (Care homes)

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; Reading; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable care organization in Reading is seeking a Second Chef/Cook to join their vibrant community, providing residential and respite care. The role involves supporting the Kitchen/Chef Manager and ensuring high food and service standards. Ideal candidates will possess relevant food handling qualifications and experience, alongside digital and organizational skills. This position offers a competitive salary, a chance for professional development, and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Generous leave

Wellbeing support

Training opportunities

Retail discounts

Free DBS checks

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role is required.
• Commitment to continuous improvement is important.
• Candidates should have relevant food handling qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Support the Kitchen/Chef Manager and motivate colleagues.
• Plan and cost menus within budgets.
• Maintain hygienic and safe working practices.

Skills

Food handling qualifications

Team player

Digital skills

Organizational skills

Awareness of safeguarding

Job description

Second Chef/Cook (Care homes)

Calcot, Reading

£26,754.00 per annum

Contract Type: Permanent - Full Time

Work Pattern: Rolling rota of 3 days on, 3 days off.

Hours: 35 per week (10-hour 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, supporting older people for over 120 years. The charity offers care home and day care services, along with grants for older people in financial difficulty.

About Friends Place, Calcot

More than just a care home, it’s a vibrant community providing residential, dementia, and respite care. Run by Friends of the Elderly, we deliver personalized, compassionate care in a modern facility.

Located in Calcot, Reading, our home features amenities like a cinema, salon, library, and bar, all designed to create a warm, homely environment.

We are recruiting a Second Chef/Cook to join our team. You will support the Kitchen/Chef Manager, supervise and motivate colleagues, and help create a positive environment where great food and service are prioritized.

Your responsibilities include training team members, planning and costing menus within budgets, and maintaining hygienic and safe working practices in compliance with legislation and policies.

Candidates should have relevant food handling qualifications, experience in a similar role, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Digital skills for ordering supplies and organizational skills are essential. A team player with awareness of safeguarding is required.

Why Join Friends of the Elderly?

- Heritage of Care: Over a century of trusted service.
- Non-Profit Mission: Focused on people, not profit.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Designed for comfort and community.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for training and growth.

Make a difference in residents’ lives and the community. Benefits include a pension scheme, generous leave, wellbeing support, training, monthly prizes, retail discounts, affordable loans, health plans, cycle scheme, long service awards, referral bonuses, uniforms, free DBS checks.

Safeguarding is a core value. All staff must follow safeguarding policies and report concerns immediately. Successful applicants will undergo an enhanced DBS check. Having a criminal record does not necessarily disqualify candidates.

We promote equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from those with the right to work in the UK. Our vacancy may close early if filled. We interview as applications arrive.