Second Chef - Care Home
About this role
Job Title: Second Chef – Care Home
Client Location: Waterside Court Care Home, 26 Winterbrook, Wallingford, OX10 9EG
Agency: Supportive Bridge Staffing
Pay Rate: £16.50 per hour + £750 Golden Hello Welcome Bonus
Hours: 40.00 hours per week (Permanent)
Shift: Day Shifts (7:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Alternate Weekends, No Split Shifts)
£750 Welcome Bonus. £16.50/hr. Daytime Shifts (7 AM – 5 PM). Fresh Scratch Cooking.
At Supportive Bridge Staffing, we specialize in connecting skilled culinary professionals with top-tier healthcare providers across the UK. On behalf of our client, Barchester Healthcare, we are currently recruiting a qualified and passionate Second Chef to join the hospitality team at Waterside Court Care Home in Wallingford.
If you are a qualified chef seeking a better work-life balance—delivering hotel- and restaurant-standard dining using fresh seasonal produce with regular 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM day shifts and no split shifts—this full-time permanent position offers high creative involvement, kitchen management opportunities, and an attractive £750 welcome bonus.
About the Role
As Second Chef, working 40 hours per week on structured 7 AM to 5 PM day shifts, you will assist the Head Chef in leading kitchen operations and deputize in their absence, delivering nutritious, flavoursome, and tailored dining experiences for residents.
Your key responsibilities will include:
Fresh Scratch Cooking: Preparing wholesome, high-quality dishes using fresh seasonal produce to hotel and restaurant presentation standards.
Deputizing & Kitchen Management: Managing kitchen operations and leading the team in the Head Chef’s absence, including menu planning, stock control, and regular audits.
Person-Centred Hospitality: Interacting directly with residents to gather feedback and tailor menus to their dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
Compliance & Standards: Maintaining strict adherence to kitchen budgets, HACCP protocols, COSHH guidelines, and food safety standards.
About You
We are seeking a warm, motivated, and skilled chef who combines strong culinary technique with good team management awareness and high standards of hygiene.
Key Requirements & Qualifications:
Qualifications: Formal professional culinary credentials (City & Guilds / NVQ / SVQ or equivalent).
Culinary Expertise: Practical experience working with fresh seasonal ingredients, menu design, and nutrition principles.
Kitchen Governance: Good working knowledge of HACCP guidelines, stock management, and kitchen safety.
Personal Attributes: Warm communication style, creative approach, and a genuine commitment to resident well-being.
Availability: Flexible to work 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM day shifts across 40 hours per week, including alternate weekends.
Rewards Package & Benefits
Welcome Incentive: £750 Golden Hello Welcome Bonus (subject to T&Cs).
Competitive Pay: £16.50 per hour (40 hours/week permanent contract).
Work-Life Balance: Daytime working hours (7:00 AM to 5:00 PM) with alternate weekends and no late-night split shifts.
CQC Performance Bonus: 'Rewarding Excellence' bonus scheme offering up to £500 for Good or Outstanding CQC ratings.
Perks & Wellbeing: Access to medical second opinions, confidential legal/counselling support, tax code review services, retail/supermarket discounts, and an unlimited £500 'Refer a Friend' bonus scheme.