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- Tasks: Assist the Head Chef in creating delicious, nutritious menus and manage the kitchen when needed.
- Company: Join Barchester, a leading healthcare provider with top ratings across 224 homes in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a rewarding bonus scheme, retail discounts, and access to medical specialists and counselling services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on residents' lives while enjoying a supportive and fun work environment.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant chef qualifications and experience with fresh seasonal food and nutrition.
- Other info: Be part of a company recognised for its outstanding workplace culture and commitment to quality care.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
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 have the chance to deliver hotel/restaurant standards without the split shifts and long weeks. You will assist the Head Chef in creating nutritious, flavoursome and well balanced menus whilst 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. Barchester have proudly been awarded a two-star outstanding rating by Best Companies, ranked 11th in the top 20 Best Health & Social Care Companies to work for and 14th in the Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For in the UK.
NEED TO HAVE
- 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
NEED TO 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 quality and standards
- Create a warm, efficient and fun environment
- Work within budget
- Complete regular audits
- Manage stock control
REWARDS PACKAGE
- Rewarding Excellence bonus, meaning you will be financially rewarded by 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, who are available for a second opinion if you need it to make a decision with confidence
- 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 love to celebrate life, Barchester is the place to be.
Second Chef - Care Home employer: Apply Gateway
Contact Detail:
Apply Gateway Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Second Chef - Care Home
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Barchester's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to quality care and person-centred hospitality will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience with fresh seasonal food by preparing a few signature dishes that highlight your skills. If possible, bring photos or even samples to demonstrate your culinary expertise during any informal meet-ups or networking events.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the local community or online forums related to care homes and nutrition. This can provide insights into what residents appreciate in their meals, which you can mention when discussing menu ideas during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would create a warm and welcoming environment in the kitchen. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully fostered a positive atmosphere for both staff and residents.
We think you need these skills to ace Second Chef - Care Home
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the specific requirements and responsibilities of the Second Chef position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what Barchester is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience with fresh seasonal food, menu development, and working in a kitchen environment. Mention any qualifications like City & Guilds or NVQ that are relevant to the role.
Showcase Your Personality: Barchester values a warm and personable approach. Use your application to convey your passion for cooking and your genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents. Share examples of how you've created a welcoming environment in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, make sure to proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the culinary field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Apply Gateway
✨Show Your Passion for Quality
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for creating high-quality dishes. Share specific examples of how you've used fresh seasonal ingredients in your previous roles and how you ensure that every meal is nutritious and flavoursome.
✨Engage with the Person-Centred Approach
Barchester values a warm and personable approach. Be prepared to discuss how you would tailor menus to meet the individual needs of residents. Highlight any past experiences where you’ve engaged with clients or customers to create a welcoming environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Nutrition
Since a good understanding of nutrition is essential for this role, be ready to talk about your knowledge in this area. Discuss how you incorporate nutritional principles into menu planning and how you can cater to various dietary requirements.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about managing a kitchen in the Head Chef's absence and how you handle stock control and audits. Think of scenarios from your past experience where you successfully managed these responsibilities and be ready to share them.
