At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve wholesome, homemade meals for our Residents with care and creativity.
- Company: Join HC-One, where kindness is at the heart of everything we do.
- Benefits: Enjoy a great work-life balance, competitive pay, and access to numerous employee benefits.
- Why this job: Make mealtimes special and impactful for our Residents while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Must have S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality and Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values inclusivity and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 981 - 1207 £ per month.
At HC-One, kindness is at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for a dedicated Chef who can bring their skills and passion for food into our care home kitchen. You’ll play a vital role in preparing and serving wholesome, homemade meals that not only meet nutritional needs but also bring comfort and enjoyment to our Residents every day.
You will be an experienced cook with a recognised qualification, holding an S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery, along with a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate. With a sound understanding of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), you’ll be confident in maintaining the highest standards of food safety and kitchen practice. Beyond your technical skills, you’ll bring creativity to menu planning, pride in presenting nutritious and appetising dishes, and a genuine passion for making mealtimes special for our Residents. Above all, you’ll be a team player with a positive attitude and a caring approach that reflects the values of HC-One.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and therefore it is important that you are able to recognise the signs which may indicate possible abuse, harm or neglect in its different forms and know what to do if there are any concerns. All colleagues are required to attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role and to undertake additional training in associated areas. You also have the ability to seek appropriate advice and report concerns, including escalation if action is not taken.
At HC-One, kindness is more than a word—it’s a way of life. We believe that caring for people means caring about what matters most to them, so we can support them to live their best possible lives.
We champion inclusivity, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves. Our diverse workforce helps us learn from one another and better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds into our HC-One family and prioritise inclusive working practices across everything we do.
We care about our colleagues and are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. From the moment you receive a job offer, we aim for the quickest possible turnaround to get you started, with full support every step of the way. With clear career pathways, continuous professional development, and postgraduate programmes, HC-One will invest in your growth—opening up opportunities at regional and national levels.
Please note: We are only able to consider applications from individuals who already have the full right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we cannot offer sponsorship or accept applications from those on a time-limited visa. Applications that do not meet this criteria will not be progressed.
You will enjoy access to a huge variety of benefits and services to support your physical and psychological well-being and throughout your career as a Chef HC-One will invest in you with great opportunities to progress into regional and national roles:
- Great work life balance
- An hourly rate is subject to experience and qualifications
- Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG
- Free uniform
- During a shift of eight hours or more a nutritious meal will be available
- Company pension scheme
- 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
- Group life assurance cover
- Wagestream - financial wellbeing and flexible access to pay as you need it
- Award-winning learning and development and support to achieve qualifications.
- GP online - a service providing around the clock GP consultation via an interactive app - available to you and your children under 16
- An opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues as part of an outstanding and committed team.
- Colleague discounts – Access to over 1600 high street discounts including carefully selected discount partners.
- Wellbeing - free of charge access to an independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme. This gives Colleagues and their family access to 24/7 365 support for a whole range of issues including physical, mental and financial issues
- Excellent recognition schemes such as ‘Kindness in Care’ and Long Service Awards
- An attractive refer a friend scheme of up to £1000 per referral, depending on the role
Chef employer: HC-One Ltd
Contact Detail:
HC-One Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out HC-One's values and mission. This will help you connect your passion for food with their commitment to kindness, making you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Bring your A-game to the kitchen by preparing a few dishes that showcase your creativity and attention to detail. You might even want to share these during your interview to impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current employees! Reach out to people working at HC-One on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you, which could give you an edge in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the HC-One family and ready to contribute to their mission of kindness.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you to create delicious meals that bring joy to others. We want to see your personality and passion for food!
Highlight Your Qualifications: Make sure to mention your S/NVQ2 in Catering & Hospitality or Professional Cookery and your Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate. These qualifications are key for us, so don’t forget to showcase them prominently in your application.
Demonstrate Team Spirit: We’re all about teamwork at HC-One, so include examples of how you’ve worked well with others in the kitchen. Whether it’s collaborating on menu planning or supporting your colleagues, we want to know how you contribute to a positive team environment.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us quickly, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can get back to you as soon as possible. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at HC-One Ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your experience with different cuisines, cooking techniques, and how you ensure food safety, especially HACCP standards. This will show that you’re not just a cook, but a passionate chef who takes pride in their craft.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Think about how you can bring creativity to menu planning. Prepare to share examples of dishes you've created or how you've adapted meals to meet dietary needs. This will demonstrate your ability to make mealtimes special for residents, aligning with HC-One's values.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
HC-One values team players, so be ready to talk about your experiences working in a kitchen environment. Share stories that highlight your collaboration with colleagues and how you contribute to a positive atmosphere. This will reflect your caring approach and commitment to the team's success.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Prepare for questions that assess your response to safeguarding concerns or kitchen emergencies. Think through how you would handle various situations, showing your understanding of safeguarding principles and your ability to act responsibly. This will demonstrate your dependability and commitment to resident safety.