At a Glance
- Tasks: Support multiple care homes by delivering high-quality catering services and leading kitchen teams.
- Company: A not-for-profit care provider committed to quality and consistency.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free meals on shift, life assurance, and early pay options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Enjoy flexibility, develop leadership skills, and make a real difference in residents' lives.
- Qualifications: Qualified Chef with experience in high-volume or care-based catering and a full UK driver's licence.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 40000 £ per year.
A new and exciting opportunity has come up within our catering team! Are you a qualified Chef looking for better work-life balance while still making a meaningful difference? Do you thrive in dynamic environments where no two days are the same? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
We’re looking for an Operational Peripatetic Chef (OPC) to support multiple care homes from Winchester to East Grinstead, ensuring continuity, quality, and compliance across our services. This is a key operational leadership role responsible for delivering safe, high-quality catering services across 7 locations. As an OPC, you will step into kitchens where support is needed most — stabilising services, leading teams, and ensuring standards are consistently met.
Hours: 3 days per week (retained basis) 10-hour operational service days Overtime available
Pay: £19 per hour
Working Requirements: Alternate weekends (Saturday or Sunday) 50% of bank holidays
Additional: Mileage reimbursed (Travel time not paid)
Benefits:
- Free meal on shift
- Free Initial DBS
- Life Assurance *Subject to eligibility
- Blue Light Card
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Not for Profit Care Provider
- Early Pay
About the Role
As an Operational Peripatetic Chef, you will travel between care homes to:
- Deliver high-quality, safe, and compliant food services
- Step in to support kitchens during absence or operational challenges
- Troubleshoot service issues and improve performance
- Ensure adherence to food safety, nutrition, and regulatory standards
- Train and support kitchen teams to maintain consistency
You’ll play a crucial role in maintaining stability across our care homes, ensuring residents receive nutritious, enjoyable meals every day.
This role is ideal if you are:
- A qualified Chef with experience in high-volume or care-based catering
- Confident stepping into new environments and leading by example
- Experienced in maintaining food safety and compliance standards
- Flexible and willing to travel across multiple sites
- Highly organised, adaptable, and calm under pressure
- Passionate about delivering high-quality, fresh food
- Must have a full UK drivers licence
Desirable:
- Previous experience working across multiple sites or in peripatetic roles
- Experience within the care sector or similar environments
- Strong team development and coaching abilities
Why join us?
At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to quality, consistency, and care. This role offers a unique opportunity to:
- Gain exposure across multiple services
- Develop your leadership and operational skills
- Enjoy greater flexibility and work-life balance
- Play a vital role in improving service delivery across a wider organisation
If you’re a flexible, experienced Chef who enjoys variety, leadership, and making a real difference — we’d love to hear from you. Join a supportive organisation where your skills will be valued, your impact recognised, and your work truly matters.
Peripatetic Chef employer: The Brendoncare Foundation
As a Catering Assistant in Stildon, you will be part of a supportive team that values your contributions and prioritises employee well-being. With benefits like paid breaks, free meals, and uniform provision, alongside opportunities for personal growth within a nurturing work culture, this role offers a fulfilling experience in a safe and efficient catering environment.
Contact Details:
The Brendoncare Foundation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peripatetic Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, catering professionals, and even friends in the industry. You never know who might have a lead on a peripatetic role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in person! Attend local food festivals or culinary events where you can showcase your cooking talents. This is a great way to meet potential employers and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from social media! Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with companies you’re interested in. Share your culinary creations and experiences to attract attention from hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a dedicated section for job openings, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Peripatetic Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share specific examples of your culinary experiences and how they relate to the role of a Peripatetic Chef. We want to see your enthusiasm for delivering high-quality meals.
Highlight Your Flexibility:Since this role involves travelling between multiple care homes, make sure to emphasise your adaptability and willingness to step into new environments. We’re looking for someone who thrives in dynamic settings, so share any relevant experiences that showcase your flexibility.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills:As an Operational Peripatetic Chef, you’ll be leading teams and ensuring standards are met. Use your application to highlight any leadership roles you've had in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. We want to know how you inspire and support others in the kitchen!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Brendoncare Foundation
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge, especially around food safety and compliance standards. Be ready to discuss your experience in high-volume catering and how you've maintained quality in challenging environments.
✨Show Off Your Flexibility
Since this role involves travelling between multiple care homes, highlight your adaptability and willingness to step into new kitchens. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in dynamic settings and tackled unexpected challenges.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As an Operational Peripatetic Chef, you'll need to lead by example. Prepare to talk about your previous experiences in coaching and developing kitchen teams. Think of specific instances where you've improved performance or resolved service issues.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's approach to quality and consistency in catering services. This shows your genuine interest in making a meaningful difference and helps you gauge if the role is right for you.
