Second Chef: Fresh Seasonal Menus, No Split Shifts

Barchester Healthcare; Tenterden; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500*

Refer-a-friend scheme up to £500*

Discounts at brands and supermarkets

Access to medical specialists

Counselling and legal services

Tax code review service

Monthly staff lottery

Job summary

Barchester is seeking a passionate Second Chef to join our warm, resident‑centred kitchen team. You will support the Head Chef, craft nutritious, flavoursome menus using fresh seasonal produce, and help deliver hotel‑ and restaurant‑standard dining without split shifts.

You will work with residents to tailor meals, manage the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence, and help maintain high standards, budgets and HACCP compliance.

Qualifications

• A personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents.
• Hold City & Guilds, NVQ, SVQ or equivalent
• A good understanding of nutrition
• Experience of working with fresh seasonal food
• Ability to create a warm and welcoming environment within our home
• Confidence engaging with residents to create appetising and nutritious menus
• Good understanding of HACCP

Responsibilities

• Manage the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence
• Assist Head Chef in menu development
• Work with fresh produce to deliver high quality and wholesome dishes cooked to the highest standards
• Create a warm, efficient and fun environment
• Work within budget
• Complete regular audits
• Manage stock control

Skills

Personable approach

Formal qualification

Nutrition knowledge

Fresh seasonal food

Warm welcoming environment

Menu development with residents

HACCP understanding

Education

City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Barchester is seeking a passionate Second Chef to join our warm, resident‑centred kitchen team. You will support the Head Chef, craft nutritious, flavoursome menus using fresh seasonal produce, and help deliver hotel‑ and restaurant‑standard dining without split shifts.

You will work with residents to tailor meals, manage the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence, and help maintain high standards, budgets and HACCP compliance.