At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare fresh, nutritious meals and support events for residents.
- Company: Join Lovett Care, a vibrant community focused on dignity and joy for elders.
- Benefits: Enjoy sociable hours, competitive pay, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Friendly interview process with a practical cook-off to showcase your skills.
- Why this job: Make a real impact through nutrition while enjoying work/life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in busy kitchens and understanding of dietary needs.
The predicted salary is between 31200 - 31200 € per year.
Sociable Hours. Supportive Team. Real Impact Through Nutrition.
We are looking for a motivated, skilled Chef who wants more than just a job—someone who wants balance, a great team, and the chance to make a genuine difference every day. Working alongside our Head Chef, you will help deliver a high-quality dining experience that supports residents' wellbeing, respects individual needs, and brings comfort and enjoyment to daily life.
This role includes preparing fresh, nutritious meals for up to 90 residents, as well as supporting the catering for the home's events and celebrations. It is a 40-hour contract at £15.50 per hour, with 07:30-17:30 shifts, no late nights, and alternate weekends, giving you the work/life balance most chefs only dream of.
Our interview process is completed in one visit: a short, friendly interview followed by a practical cook-off, giving you the perfect chance to showcase your creativity, skill, and passion for great food.
Role Responsibilities
- Present menus clearly to support resident choice
- Prepare meals in appropriate quantities, meeting medical, cultural, and personal dietary needs
- Deliver nutritious, well-presented meals on time and in the correct sequence
- Maintain full compliance with HACCP procedures
- Uphold excellent hygiene and cleanliness standards, including accurate cleaning records
- Lead and support the kitchen team in the Head Chef's absence
- Motivate and inspire colleagues to consistently deliver high-quality food
Skills and Experience
- Experience working during busy service periods
- Previous experience in a care home or similar setting
- Understanding of specialised diets and tailored service
- Ability to contribute to a four-week menu cycle
- Confidence in completing records to meet legal requirements
Benefits
- Clear progression routes into senior and management roles
- 5.6 weeks annual leave
- Paid DBS
- Uniform provided
- Paid training and excellent induction
- Refer a Friend scheme (role-dependent)
- Support for nationally recognised qualifications
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Wellbeing programmes
- Recognition awards (Employee of the Month, Golden Tickets)
- Ongoing career development
- Travel plan: walk or cycle to work and enjoy a free meal that day
- Pension scheme
- Early Pay access
At Lovett, we believe our elders deserve more—more dignity, more respect, more joy, and more belonging. Our homes are vibrant communities where people continue to thrive, connect, and enjoy meaningful moments. When you join Lovett, you join a team that sees every resident as someone with a story to share and a life still full of possibility.
2nd Chef in York employer: Lovett Care
At Lovett Care, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values work-life balance and fosters a supportive team environment. As a 2nd Chef at Fairfax Manor in Harrogate, you'll enjoy sociable hours with no late nights, alongside opportunities for professional growth through ongoing training and clear progression routes. Join us to make a real impact through nutrition while working in a modern, luxury care home that prioritises the wellbeing of both residents and staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2nd Chef in York
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team before your interview! If you can, pop by the care home and chat with the staff. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and helps you get a feel for the environment.
✨Tip Number 2
During your cook-off, don’t just focus on the food; let your personality shine through! Show us your passion for cooking and how you can bring joy to the residents with your meals.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your experience with special diets and how you’ve catered to individual needs in the past. We want to see that you understand the importance of nutrition in our residents' lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed, and we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace 2nd Chef in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your creativity and skill in the kitchen, especially those that relate to preparing nutritious meals.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of 2nd Chef. Mention your experience with dietary needs and how you can contribute to a positive dining experience for residents.
Highlight Teamwork Skills:Since we value a supportive team environment, emphasise your ability to work well with others. Share examples of how you've motivated or inspired colleagues in previous roles, especially in busy service periods.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you can easily keep track of your progress!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lovett Care
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, familiarise yourself with the types of meals you might be preparing. Think about how you can cater to different dietary needs and preferences. This will show your understanding of the role and your commitment to providing a high-quality dining experience.
✨Showcase Your Skills
During the practical cook-off, don’t just focus on cooking; let your creativity shine! Prepare a dish that not only tastes great but also looks appealing. Remember, presentation is key in making meals enjoyable for residents.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves working closely with the Head Chef and other team members, be ready to discuss your experience in a team setting. Share examples of how you've motivated colleagues or contributed to a positive kitchen environment in the past.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask questions about the team dynamics, menu planning, or how they support ongoing training. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
