Second Chef: Fresh Seasonal Menus for Residents

Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited; Crawley; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500

Refer a friend bonus up to £500

Retail and leisure discounts

Access to medical specialists

Counselling and legal services

Tax code review service

Monthly staff lottery

Terms & conditions apply

Job summary

Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited is seeking a qualified Second Chef to deliver hotel/restaurant-standard meals with a focus on fresh seasonal produce and resident wellbeing. You will support the Head Chef in menu development, tailor meals to residents, and maintain high quality while avoiding split shifts and long weeks.

We value warmth, passion, and a commitment to quality. The role is within a sector-leading healthcare provider with strong ratings and extensive homes network across the UK.

Qualifications

• Personable and warm approach; genuine care for residents’ wellbeing.
• Good understanding of nutrition and ability to tailor menus to resident needs.
• Experience cooking with fresh seasonal produce.
• Assist Head Chef in menu development and cost-effective planning.
• Ability to work within budget and complete regular kitchen audits.
• Confident in engaging with residents to create appetising, nutritious menus; HACCP aware.

Responsibilities

• Manage kitchen in Head Chef's absence.
• Assist Head Chef in menu development and planning.
• Work with fresh produce to deliver high-quality dishes.
• Create a warm, efficient, and welcoming kitchen environment.
• Work within budget and monitor stock levels.
• Complete regular audits and stock control.

Skills

Personable and warm approach

Nutrition knowledge

Fresh seasonal food experience

Menu development support

Budget management

Audit proficiency

Resident engagement

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited is seeking a qualified Second Chef to deliver hotel/restaurant-standard meals with a focus on fresh seasonal produce and resident wellbeing. You will support the Head Chef in menu development, tailor meals to residents, and maintain high quality while avoiding split shifts and long weeks.

We value warmth, passion, and a commitment to quality. The role is within a sector-leading healthcare provider with strong ratings and extensive homes network across the UK.