Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook nutritious meals while managing kitchen operations.
- Company: Excelcare is a family-owned care home group with over 34 years of experience.
- Benefits: Earn £15.00 per hour, enjoy 28 days holiday, and receive free on-site parking.
- Why this job: Join a compassionate team making a real difference in residents' lives through outstanding meal experiences.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in catering, 2 years' experience in catering, and excellent interpersonal skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for funded qualifications and a £500 referral bonus for friends.
We are looking for an experienced and creative Chef/Cook to join our Hunters Down Care Home in Huntingdon. You will become part of a compassionate and welcoming team providing physical, emotional, and social support and most importantly outstanding meal experiences for the people living in our care home. Your dedication, reliability and support will make a difference every day.
Excelcare is a family-owned care home group established for over 34 years. We provide the highest standards of care to older people with a range of needs including dementia, physical disabilities, and mental health issues. By joining us you will become one of the ‘family’ and in return for your dedication and hard work you can expect:
- £15.00 per hour (depending on experience)
- 42 Hours a Week (Must be able to do every other weekend)
About the role:
- As the Care Home Chef/Cook, you will be required to prepare and cook nutritious meals using fresh ingredients.
- Schedule weekly meal menus, paying attention to individual dietary requirements.
- Work with the Home Manager to ensure that ordering of stock is in line with budgetary requirements.
- Work with healthcare professionals involved in the support of people living in our care homes to ensure meal plans and dietary requirements fall into individuals' support plans and risk assessments.
- Maintain quality assurance systems within the kitchen.
- Undertake supervision of other kitchen team members.
- Have a full understanding of Health & Safety as well as Food Hygiene issues, COSHH, and working within the guidelines relating to contamination and cross infection.
- You will be involved in meaningful activities with the people living in our care home as well as always promoting independence, choice, dignity, and respect.
What we are looking for from you:
- Experience of cooking for large numbers.
- NVQ Level 2 in catering and hospitality.
- 2 years’ experience in a catering environment.
- 12 months experience in managing a kitchen.
- Excellent interpersonal skills as you will be involved in meaningful activities.
What we offer in return for your hard work:
- 28 Days holiday including bank holidays.
- Free on-site parking.
- Enhancement to pay on bank holidays.
- Refer a Friend Scheme rewarding £500 for every person you refer.
- DBS certificate paid by Excelcare.
- Funded qualifications via the apprenticeship programme (where required).
- Paid uniform.
- Employee of the month - £100 for outstanding contribution.
Second Chef employer: Excelcare Holdings
Contact Detail:
Excelcare Holdings Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Second Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements and preferences of the residents in care homes. Understanding these needs will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to providing outstanding meal experiences.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your creativity in meal preparation by preparing a few sample menus that cater to various dietary restrictions. This will highlight your ability to plan nutritious meals while considering individual needs, making you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the care home sector or join relevant culinary groups online. Engaging with others in the field can provide insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations or referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience managing kitchen teams and maintaining health and safety standards. Being able to articulate your leadership skills and knowledge of food hygiene will be crucial in demonstrating your suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Second Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in cooking for large numbers and managing a kitchen. Include specific examples of your culinary skills and any qualifications, such as NVQ Level 2 in catering and hospitality.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for providing outstanding meal experiences and your commitment to supporting the residents' dietary needs. Mention your interpersonal skills and how you can contribute to the compassionate team at Excelcare.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your previous roles in catering environments, particularly any experience related to health and safety, food hygiene, and working with healthcare professionals. This will demonstrate your understanding of the care home setting.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Excelcare Holdings
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in cooking for large numbers and managing a kitchen. Bring examples of menus you've created or special dietary needs you've catered to, as this will demonstrate your creativity and adaptability.
✨Understand the Care Home Environment
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of residents in a care home setting. Highlight your understanding of dietary requirements related to health conditions like dementia or physical disabilities during the interview.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since you'll be working closely with healthcare professionals and other kitchen staff, showcase your interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others to create meal plans or improve kitchen operations.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Health & Safety
Be ready to discuss your understanding of food hygiene, COSHH regulations, and health and safety practices. This is crucial in a care home environment, so showing that you prioritise these aspects will set you apart.
