Second Chef - Care Home

Second Chef – Care Home

Agency: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency

Client / Setting: Elm Bank Care Home (Barchester Healthcare)

Location: 81 Northampton Road, Kettering, NN15 7JZ

Pay Rate: Up to £17.00 per hour

Hours: 37.50 hours per week (Permanent)

Shift Pattern: Days (No late nights or split shifts!)

Looking for restaurant-quality cooking with a fantastic work-life balance?

At Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency, we specialize in connecting talented culinary professionals with top care providers. On behalf of our client, Barchester Healthcare—ranked among the UK's Best Big Companies to Work For—we are recruiting a passionate and skilled Second Chef to join the kitchen team at Elm Bank Care Home in Kettering.

📞 Call us to discuss your next role: [phone removed]

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Second Chef, you will work closely with the Head Chef to deliver high-standard, restaurant-quality dining using fresh, seasonal produce. You will play a key role in person-centred hospitality, creating wholesome, nutritious meals that enhance the daily lives and wellbeing of residents.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deputize for the Head Chef, taking full operational management of the kitchen in their absence.

• Assist in developing and tailoring balanced, nutritious menus that reflect residents' tastes and nutritional needs.

• Cook high-quality dishes from scratch using fresh ingredients.

• Help manage kitchen budgets, complete regular food safety audits, and maintain stock control.

• Maintain strict standards of kitchen hygiene in compliance with HACCP guidelines.

• Create a warm, efficient, and welcoming dining and kitchen environment.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for a motivated chef with a genuine passion for high-quality food and resident care.

Requirements & Experience:

• Formal culinary qualification (City & Guilds / NVQ / SVQ or equivalent).

• Experience working with fresh, seasonal produce in a commercial or care environment.

• Good understanding of nutrition, menu planning, and HACCP principles.

• Strong communication skills and confidence engaging directly with residents.

• A warm, personable, and team-oriented approach.

REWARDS & BENEFITS PACKAGE

In exchange for your culinary skills and dedication, you will receive a competitive rate of up to £17.00 per hour, plus a sector-leading benefits package:

• Work-Life Balance: Day shifts without split shifts or long late-night hours.

• ‘Rewarding Excellence’ Bonus: Financial rewards of up to £500 for Good or Outstanding CQC ratings.

• Refer-a-Friend Scheme: Earn up to £500 per unlimited referral.

• Health & Wellbeing Perks: Free second-opinion medical support, confidential counselling, and legal advice.

• Retail & Leisure Savings: Exclusive discounts across major brands, travel, and supermarkets.

• Financial Services: Free Tax Code Review service and optional entry into the monthly staff lottery.