Assistant Chef

Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency

Job Title: Assistant Chef

Location: Oak Lodge Care Home, 45 Freemantle Common Road, Bitterne, Southampton, SO19 7NG

Rate of Pay: £14.09 to £15.09 per hour + Welcome Bonus

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

About the Role

We are partnering with Oak Lodge Care Home in Southampton to find a passionate and talented Assistant Chef. At Oak Lodge, the dedicated care and kitchen teams work hand-in-hand to deliver person-centred care, supporting independence and honouring choice to help residents live their best lives.

As an Assistant Chef through Supportive Bridge, you will be a vital part of the kitchen team—the magic behind every delicious, freshly prepared dish. You will help create varied, nutritious menus tailored to residents' preferences while ensuring an exceptional dining experience that makes every resident feel right at home.

Key Responsibilities

• Use your passion for cooking and fresh ingredients to create varied, nutritional menus aligned with the individual dietary needs and preferences of residents.

• Propose innovative ideas to enhance the dining experience and help residents feel truly at home.

• Assist in training and managing the kitchen team across the preparation, cooking, and serving of food.

• Manage stock, orders, deliveries, and budgets while strictly adhering to COSHH, HACCP guidelines, and company policies.

• Cater for special events and seasonal celebrations, including summer fetes, Christmas parties, and resident birthdays.

What We Are Looking For

• A genuine passion for cooking with previous experience working in a fresh food kitchen.

• Relevant food hygiene certificates.

• An innovative, open-minded approach to cooking combined with a commitment to maintaining high standards.

• Excellent communication skills and a warm, caring nature eager to cherish the little moments with residents and share a love of food.

Why Join Through Us at Oak Lodge?

• Competitive Pay & Bonus: £14.09 to £15.09 per hour plus an eligible Welcome Bonus.

• Financial Flexibility: Access Wagestream to instantly draw down up to 40% of your earned wages before payday.

• Health & Wellbeing Support: Free 24/7 access to My Healthcare (remote GP appointments, physiotherapy, and mental health support) plus an annual healthcare product allowance of approximately £350.

• Enhanced Benefits: 28 days holiday, frontline sick pay schemes, a dedicated Menopause Plan, and comprehensive parental leave options.

• Daily Perks: Free meals provided on every shift and an interest-free annual travel loan for public transport season tickets.

• Rewards: Long-service milestone rewards including extra holidays, ecards, and financial bonuses.