At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals and support residents' dining experiences.
- Company: Porthaven Care Homes, dedicated to quality care and culinary excellence.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, no late finishes, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a commitment to the Armed Forces community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while showcasing your culinary creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience in a commercial kitchen; City & Guild/NVQ preferred but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Porthaven Care Homes do not currently offer sponsorship or relocation packages.
Are you passionate about creating high quality food with excellent ingredients? Are you a chef seeking a healthy budget and the autonomy to be creative? Join our Chef Team at Porthaven to make a difference to people's lives whilst working hours that suit your family and personal life – no late finishes!
About the role:
A role as a 2nd chef at a Porthaven Care Home will give you just that, alongside fantastic development opportunities. As Second Chef you will work as part of a small, but well-resourced Kitchen team to serve delicious, well-balanced and nutritious meals that our Residents will love. You'll provide a high-quality food service to support residents, responsive to their needs and contribute to their overall positive experience of living in the Home. Working closely with the Head Chef, you will have the opportunity to deliver restaurant standard food without the split shifts and long weekends. Daily working hours are typically between 8am and 6pm with alternate weekends.
About you:
Working as Second Chef, you will strive to deliver person-centred hospitality to the highest standards. You must have experience of working in a commercial kitchen environment, ideally within a care home setting, but this is not essential. You should hold City & Guild/NVQ (or equivalent) and be confident conducting kitchen duties, including catering for special dietary needs. Successful candidates are subject to satisfactory references and a DBS check and must be authorised to work in the UK.
Porthaven are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant pledging our commitment and support to the Armed Forces community, veterans, reservists and their families.
Second Chef employer: Porthaven Care Homes
Porthaven Care Homes is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its staff and residents alike. With a focus on work-life balance, our Second Chefs enjoy flexible hours, typically between 8am and 6pm, allowing for family time without late finishes. We offer fantastic development opportunities within a supportive team environment, where creativity in the kitchen is encouraged, making it a rewarding place to grow your culinary career while positively impacting the lives of our residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Second Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Porthaven Care Homes. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Porthaven Care Homes
Don't be shy about reaching out to Porthaven Care Homes directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Second Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Porthaven Care Homes and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Porthaven Care Homes
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
