Commis Chef - Lymington, Hampshire

Colten Care Limited; Lymington; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care home provider in Lymington is seeking a passionate Commis Chef to join their team. This role offers a chance to create wholesome meals that enhance residents' well-being. With a focus on working with locally sourced ingredients, you will assist the Head Chef in ensuring high standards of food hygiene and safety. Ideal candidates will have culinary qualifications and experience in similar roles, and enjoy flexible working hours with many benefits including paid breaks and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Uniform provided

Real career progression opportunities

Choice of meals on duty

Excellent training and support

Additional hours/opportunities

Qualifications

• Must have experience in a similar role.
• Genuine passion for creating an exceptional dining experience.
• Understanding of residents' needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Chef in preparing home-cooked meals.
• Ensure safety and hygiene standards are maintained.
• Support training and development of new team members.

Skills

Team player

Good communication skills

Attention to detail

Ability to follow guidelines

Education

City & Guilds 706 1/2 or NVQ Level 2 in Catering / Cookery

Job description

Salary: From £14.00 up to £15.50 per hour

Working Hours: Full-time 42 hrs per week position, with flexibility required (includes paid breaks)

Closing Date: 08/01/2026

Based at Linden House in Lymington, Hampshire

At Colten Care we are proud to offer career development opportunities, and a range of pay enhancements across our roles. Contact us to find out more

We’re searching for an experienced, passionate and well‑rounded Commis Chef to join our team and become a valued part of day‑to‑day life. Access to your own vehicle is essential for this role.

Main Responsibilities:

• Assist the Head Chef to prepare a variety of home‑cooked meals including a selection of fresh cakes from local fresh produce
• Provide tasty nutritionally balanced meals across the various mealtimes
• Work closely with staff to support catering for specific dietary needs and special events
• Provide team support, assisting with the training and development of new starters and covering the Kitchen Assistant when required
• Ensure a safe, hygienic working environment by following Health and Safety and Food Hygiene regulations
• Shifts finish at 6:30pm
• Paid breaks (hourly rate)
• Annual pay review

That’s not all! – Our shifts finish at 6:30pm so if you’re looking for a better work‑life balance, we’d love to hear from you!

In our well‑equipped professional kitchen with modern appliances, you’ll support the Head Chef and Kitchen team in preparing meals that reflect the comforting flavours of home using locally sourced ingredients. Working closely with residents to create wholesome, balanced meals that enhance their well‑being and tantalise their tastebuds. As a Commis Chef, you’ll follow guidance from the Head Chef, developing your skills while ensuring high standards are maintained and making a positive impact on the lives of our residents.

About You

You’ll have a genuine passion for creating an exceptional resident dining experience. You’ll be a natural communicator, a team player with a can‑do attitude and a sense of fun.

You’ll take pride in understanding our residents’ needs and assisting them through a unique and exciting food journey, building lasting relationships along the way.

You’ll have qualified to City & Guilds 706 1/2 or NVQ Level 2 in Catering / Cookery and have previous experience in a similar role.

Business insurance is essential due to travel during work hours

We’re an award‑winning, family‑owned, independent care home group, with an outstanding reputation in the industry. This is due to our amazing people and our focus on keeping the resident at the heart of everything we do.

We strive to be the best we can hence why all 21 of our nursing homes are rated at least good and 7 are outstanding by the CQC, our national regulator.

If a career in elderly care is for you then you want to be part of the team at Colten Care.

Additional Benefits:

• Uniform provided
• Excellent inductions, training and ‘on the job’ support
• Real career progression opportunities
• Additional hours / overtime opportunities to suit your circumstances
• Choice of hot or cold meals and drinks on duty