Weekend Chef

Serencroft group.; Romford; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Refer a Friend bonus

Employee rewards

Training & NVQ support

Job summary

Serencroft Care Homes in Romford is seeking a Weekend Chef to plan, prepare and cook nutritious meals for residents across weekend shifts. You will ensure meals meet dietary needs and comply with hygiene and safety standards in a caring, supportive home environment.

The role requires previous chef experience, a recognised catering qualification, and Weekend availability. DBS check is expected; take pride in delivering high-quality resident meals in a multi-site care group.

Qualifications

• Experience as a chef or cook, ideally in a care home or similar catering setting.
• Recognised catering qualification (NVQ/City & Guilds) or equivalent experience.
• Right to work in the UK and DBS check readiness.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook nutritious, well-balanced meals for residents.
• Cater for special diets, including texture-modified and allergen-free meals.
• Maintain high food hygiene and safety standards in line with legislation.
• Order and manage stock within budget, minimise waste.
• Keep records of menus, safety checks and allergen information.
• Ensure kitchen and equipment are clean, safe and maintained.
• Liaise with care staff on residents' changing nutritional needs.
• Supervise kitchen assistants as required.

Skills

Cooking

Communication

Flexibility

Education

NVQ/City & Guilds in Professional Cookery

Job description

Salary: £14.13 per hour

Contract: Permanent

About Us

Serencroft Care Homes is an independent care provider operating five residential and nursing homes across England, including Gable Court in Romford. We are CQC-regulated and B Corp certified, and we work in partnership with NHS commissioners and local universities to provide high-quality, person-centred care. We're looking for a skilled, reliable Chef to help provide nutritious, enjoyable meals for the residents and staff who call Gable Court home, covering weekend shifts.

Role Overview

As our Weekend Chef, you'll be responsible for planning, preparing and cooking high-quality meals for residents at Gable Court over the weekend, catering to individual dietary needs and preferences. You'll help ensure the home meets food hygiene and health and safety standards — playing an important behind-the-scenes role in the comfort and wellbeing of our residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook nutritious, well-balanced meals in line with residents' care plans and dietary requirements
• Cater for special diets, including texture-modified, allergen-free and culturally specific meals
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and safety in line with food safety legislation and home procedures
• Order and manage food stock, minimising waste and working within budget
• Keep accurate records of menus, food safety checks and allergen information
• Ensure the kitchen and equipment are kept clean, safe and well maintained
• Liaise with care staff to understand residents' changing nutritional needs and preferences
• Support and supervise kitchen assistants as required
• Work in accordance with health and safety and care home requirements

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience as a chef or cook, ideally within a care home or similar catering environment, is desirable
• Recognised catering qualification (e.g. NVQ/City & Guilds in Professional Cookery) or equivalent experience
• Right to work in the UK
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check
• Availability to work weekend shifts (Saturday and Sunday) on a regular basis
• Good communication skills and a flexible, can-do attitude
• Good understanding of food hygiene and safety requirements, including a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience catering for special diets, including texture-modified and allergen-free meals, is an advantage but not essential.

What We Offer

• A varied, hands-on role within a supportive, values-led care home team
• Ongoing training and development opportunities within a multi-site care group
• Potential to take up NVQ once successfully completing probation period.
• A supportive value led team environment
• Refer a Friend bonus – up to £200!
• Employee of the quarter - opportunity to potentially win tickets to sporting events orpurchasing vouchers eramazing brands and so much more!

Serencroft Care Homes is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of background.

Job Summary

Location: Romford

Salary: £14.13 per hour

Posted: 14 Sep 2026

Questions?

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