Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious menus and manage the kitchen with a warm, welcoming vibe.
- Company: Join Barchester, a top-rated care home known for quality and support.
- Benefits: Earn bonuses, enjoy discounts, and access free counselling services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while enjoying a balanced work-life.
- Qualifications: Must have chef qualifications and a passion for fresh, seasonal food.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
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
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 in Rickmansworth employer: Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited
Contact Detail:
Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Second Chef - Care Home in Rickmansworth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, join culinary groups, and connect with people in the care home sector. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish to share during interviews or networking events. It’s a great way to showcase your talent and passion for fresh, seasonal food while making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your experience with nutrition and menu development. Prepare some examples of how you've tailored meals for residents in the past. This will show that you’re not just a chef, but a chef who cares about the wellbeing of those you serve.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing passionate chefs like you who are eager to join our team at Barchester.
We think you need these skills to ace Second Chef - Care Home in Rickmansworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for fresh, seasonal food shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your creativity in the kitchen and how you’ve tailored menus to meet the needs of residents.
Highlight Your Qualifications: Make sure to mention your qualifications like City & Guilds or NVQ. We want to see that you have the right skills and knowledge, especially when it comes to nutrition and HACCP standards.
Be Personable and Warm: Since we value a warm approach, use your application to showcase your personality. Talk about how you engage with residents and create a welcoming environment in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with fresh seasonal produce and how it can be used to create nutritious dishes. Be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you incorporate them into your cooking. This shows your passion for quality food and aligns with the values of Barchester.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Second Chef, you'll be engaging with residents regularly. Prepare examples of how you've created a warm and welcoming environment in previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you tailored menus to meet specific dietary needs or preferences.
✨Understand the Importance of Nutrition
Brush up on your knowledge of nutrition and how it impacts wellbeing. Be prepared to discuss how you can create balanced menus that cater to the health needs of residents while still being delicious. This will demonstrate your commitment to their wellbeing.
✨Be Ready 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 specific scenarios from your past experience where you successfully managed these responsibilities, as this will show your readiness for the role.
