Job Advertisement: Second Chef (Care Home)

Position: Second Chef

Location: Waterside Court Care Home, 26 Winterbrook, Wallingford, OX10 9EG

Pay Rate: £16.50 per hour

Hours: 40 hours per week (Permanent, Days - Shift: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM with alternate weekends)

Closing Date: 1 September 2026

About the Role

Are you a qualified chef looking to work with fresh, seasonal food while achieving a true work-life balance? As a supportive bridge staffing agency, we are thrilled to partner with Barchester Healthcare to find a passionate Second Chef for their top-rated Waterside Court Care Home.

Say goodbye to grueling split shifts and ultra-long weeks. At Barchester, you will deliver hotel and restaurant-standard dining without sacrificing your personal life. Assist the Head Chef in creating nutritious, flavoursome, and well-balanced menus, working directly with residents to tailor meals around their personal preferences and needs.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Management: Take charge of the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence.
Culinary Excellence: Work with fresh seasonal produce to deliver wholesome, high-quality dishes.
Menu Development: Assist the Head Chef in designing and updating appetizing menus and conducting regular audits.
Resident Engagement: Build warm, friendly relationships with residents, ensuring their dietary needs and preferences are met.
Operational Standards: Maintain strict adherence to HACCP guidelines, manage stock control effectively, and work within set budgets.

What We Are Looking For

Qualifications: Hold a City & Guilds, NVQ, SVQ, or equivalent culinary qualification.
Experience: Proven experience working with fresh, seasonal ingredients and a solid understanding of nutrition and HACCP principles.
Personality: A personable, warm, and motivated approach with a genuine passion for resident wellbeing and creating a welcoming, fun environment.

Exclusive Rewards & Benefits

£750 Golden Hello Welcome Bonus upon joining (T&Cs apply).
Rewarding Excellence Bonus: Earn up to £500 extra for achieving Good or Outstanding CQC inspections.
Refer-a-Friend Scheme: Unlimited access to earn up to £500 per successful referral.
Health & Wellbeing Support: Free access to medical specialists for second opinions, plus confidential 24/7 counselling and legal services.
Lifestyle Perks: Wide range of retail and leisure discounts at major high street brands and supermarkets.
Financial Wellness: Free tax code review service to ensure you are paying the correct tax.
Staff Lottery: Optional entry into the monthly staff lottery alongside colleagues across the UK.