Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist the Head Chef in creating delicious, nutritious menus and manage the kitchen when needed.
- Company: Join Barchester, a top-rated care home known for quality and supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a rewarding bonus scheme, discounts, and access to medical specialists.
- Other info: Be part of a fun, warm environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while enjoying a better work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant chef qualifications and a passion for fresh, seasonal food.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ 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 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
- 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
- Rewarding Excellence bonus, meaning you will be financially rewarded by up to £* for a Good or Outstanding CQC inspection
- Unlimited access to our generous refer a friend scheme, earning up to £* 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 employer: RHR UK
Contact Detail:
RHR UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Second Chef - Care Home
✨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 sample of your cooking to interviews or networking events. A taste of your culinary creations can leave a lasting impression and showcase your passion for fresh, seasonal food.
✨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 specific dietary needs or preferences. This will show that you’re not just a chef, but a chef who cares about the wellbeing of residents.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Barchester and being part of a team that values quality and person-centred hospitality.
We think you need these skills to ace Second Chef - Care Home
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 to create nutritious and flavoursome dishes that meet our high standards.
Emphasise Your People Skills: Since we value a warm and welcoming environment, don’t forget to showcase your ability to engage with residents. Share examples of how you’ve created a friendly atmosphere in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so we can start the conversation about your future with Barchester!
How to prepare for a job interview at RHR UK
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with fresh seasonal produce and how it can be used in nutritious dishes. Be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you would incorporate them into the menu, showing your passion for quality cooking.
✨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 your ability to tailor menus based on individual preferences and dietary needs.
✨Understand the Standards
Brush up on HACCP guidelines and food safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure high standards in the kitchen, especially when managing stock control and conducting audits.
✨Bring Your Creativity
Think about innovative menu ideas that align with Barchester's commitment to quality. During the interview, share your thoughts on how you would assist the Head Chef in developing exciting and balanced menus that cater to the residents' tastes.