Second Chef - Care Home

The Care Network; Woking; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality provider in Woking is seeking a passionate Second Chef to create nutritious and appealing menus using fresh seasonal food. You will manage kitchen operations in the Head Chef’s absence, assist with menu development, and ensure high-quality standards are met. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to engage warmly with residents, have a solid understanding of nutrition, and hold a relevant culinary qualification. This role offers a rewarding environment focused on quality and care.

Benefits

Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500 for good inspections

Refer-a-friend scheme

Retail and leisure discounts

Free access to medical specialists

Access to counselling and legal services

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a kitchen setting, particularly in a care home or restaurant.
• Understanding of nutrition for meal preparation.
• Ability to manage kitchen operations effectively.

Responsibilities

• Manage the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence.
• Assist Head Chef in menu development.
• Work with fresh produce to deliver high-quality dishes.
• Create a warm and efficient kitchen environment.

Skills

Personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents

Experience of working with fresh seasonal food

Good understanding of HACCP

Ability to create a warm and welcoming environment

Confidence engaging with residents

Education

Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Are you a qualified Chef looking to work with fresh seasonal food, with the opportunity to have more of a work‑life balance and make what you do matter? Working as a Second Chef at Barchester, you will deliver hotel/restaurant standards without split shifts and long weeks. You will assist the Head Chef in creating nutritious, flavoursome and well‑balanced menus while working with residents to tailor menus around them. We are proud to deliver person‑centred hospitality across all our services and look for warm, motivated and passionate chefs who are driven by quality. Here at Barchester, we work with an open, honest, supportive approach, where quality of care is at the heart of everything we do. As sector‑leading healthcare experts, we are proud to have the highest quality ratings across our 224 homes and hospitals across the UK.

We are looking for

• 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
• The 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

What you will do

• 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 at the highest standards
• Create a warm, efficient and fun environment
• Work within budget
• Complete regular audits
• Manage stock control

Rewards Package

• Rewarding Excellence bonus – up to £500* for a Good or Outstanding CQC inspection
• Unlimited access to our generous refer‑a‑friend scheme, earning up to £500* per referral
• Access to a wide range of retail and leisure discounts at big brands and supermarkets
• Free access to medical specialists for a second opinion if you need it
• Confidential and free access to counselling and legal services
• Tax code review service, where we will check that you are on the right code and paying the right level of tax
• Option to join our monthly staff lottery alongside thousands of colleagues across the UK
• *Terms & conditions apply

If you are a passionate Chef who is keen to be part of a company that is driven by quality and who loves to celebrate life, Barchester is the place to be.