Second Chef - Care Home
About this role
Second Chef – Care Home
Location: Felbridge Manor Care Home, Turners Hill Road, Copthorne, RH10 3EP
Pay Rate: £17.50 per hour
Hours: 40.00 hours per week
Shift Pattern: Day Shifts (No split shifts or late nights)
Employment Type: Permanent
About the Opportunity
Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency is proud to partner with Barchester Healthcare to recruit a talented and passionate Second Chef for Felbridge Manor Care Home.
Are you a qualified chef looking to work with fresh, seasonal ingredients while gaining a far better work-life balance? Joining Barchester Healthcare—ranked among the Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For in the UK—means enjoying hotel and restaurant standards without the unsociable hours, split shifts, or late nights.
About the Role
As Second Chef, you will work closely alongside the Head Chef to deliver exceptional, person-centred hospitality. You will help create nutritious, flavoursome, and well-balanced menus tailored to residents' preferences and take charge of the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence.
Key Responsibilities:
Kitchen Management: Step up to run the kitchen operation smoothly in the Head Chef’s absence.
Culinary Standards: Prepare high-quality, wholesome dishes using fresh seasonal produce.
Menu Planning: Assist the Head Chef in menu development, taking resident feedback and nutritional needs into account.
Operational Duties: Manage stock control, maintain kitchen budgets, carry out regular audits, and enforce strict hygiene standards.
Atmosphere: Foster a warm, supportive, and efficient kitchen environment.
About You
We are looking for a warm, personable chef who takes pride in quality and resident wellbeing.
Requirements:
Qualification: City & Guilds / NVQ / SVQ (or equivalent) in Professional Cookery.
Experience: Background in working with fresh seasonal food and managing kitchen operations.
Knowledge: Solid understanding of nutrition and HACCP standards.
Communication: Confidence engaging with residents to build menus they truly enjoy.
Rewards & Benefits Package
In return for your skill and dedication, you will receive a competitive rate of pay along with Barchester's sector-leading rewards package:
Competitive Pay: £17.50 / hour (40 hrs/week, Permanent)
Work-Life Balance: Day shifts without split shifts
CQC Inspection Bonus: ‘Rewarding Excellence’ bonus of up to £500 for Good or Outstanding CQC ratings (terms apply)
Referral Bonus: Unlimited access to the 'Refer a Friend' scheme (up to £500 per referral, terms apply)
Perks & Discounts: Savings across major retailers, supermarkets, and leisure brands
Health & Wellbeing: Free specialist medical second opinions, confidential counselling, and legal advice
Financial Perks: Tax Code Review service and option to join the monthly staff lottery