Peripatetic Chef
About this role
Job Title: Peripatetic Chef
Client Location: Based out of Waterside Court Care Home, 26 Winterbrook, Wallingford, OX10 9EG (Regional Travel Required)
Agency: Supportive Bridge Staffing
Pay Rate: £19.23 per hour + Travel Expenses Covered
Hours: 40.00 hours per week (Permanent)
Shift: Day Shifts (Alternate Weekends, No Split Shifts)
High Hourly Pay Rate (£19.23/hr) + Travel Expenses. Regional Culinary Impact. Day Shifts Only.
At Supportive Bridge Staffing, we specialize in connecting exceptional hospitality and culinary leadership talent with premier healthcare organizations across the UK. On behalf of our client, Barchester Healthcare, we are currently recruiting an adaptable and passionate Peripatetic Chef based out of Waterside Court Care Home in Wallingford to support care home kitchens across the region.
If you are a qualified chef seeking high variety and a fantastic work-life balance—delivering fresh seasonal dining across multiple sites without late nights or split shifts, with all travel expenses reimbursed—this permanent 40-hour regional role provides an ideal stage to showcase your culinary expertise.
About the Role
As a Peripatetic Chef, you will travel across regional care homes to step in during peak periods, vacancies, or leave, ensuring every kitchen maintains exceptional standards of fresh food preparation, kitchen governance, and person-centred hospitality.
Your key responsibilities will include:
Regional Culinary Support: Preparing wholesome, high-quality dishes using fresh seasonal ingredients across various regional care home kitchens.
Kitchen Leadership & Governance: Managing kitchen operations in the absence of a Head Chef, maintaining stock control, and upholding strict food safety standards.
Person-Centred Dining: Engaging warmly with residents at different homes to tailor menus to their dietary preferences and nutritional requirements.
Team Collaboration: Working alongside regional catering teams to share best practice, mentor staff, and ensure dining environments remain warm and welcoming.
About You
We are seeking a warm, adaptable, and highly skilled culinary professional with strong kitchen management capabilities and a passion for resident well-being.
Key Requirements & Qualifications:
Qualifications: Formal culinary qualification (City & Guilds / NVQ / SVQ or equivalent) plus up-to-date Food Hygiene certification.
Culinary Expertise: Solid experience cooking with fresh seasonal produce, menu adaptation, and a thorough understanding of nutrition.
Kitchen Governance: Strong kitchen management skills, including stock management, HACCP, and hygiene standards.
Mobility & Flexibility: Willingness to travel to support homes across the region as peripatetic coverage demands.
Personal Attributes: Personable communication style, adaptability, and high standards of culinary presentation.
Rewards Package & Benefits
Competitive Pay Package: £19.23 per hour (40 hours/week permanent contract) plus reimbursement of travel costs.
Work-Life Balance: Daytime working hours with alternate weekends and no split shifts or late nights.
Talent Recognition: Opportunities to showcase your talent at the annual Barchester Hospitality Awards.
Perks & Discounts: Access to a wide range of retail, holiday, and leisure savings, plus an unlimited 'Refer a Friend' bonus scheme.