# Second Chef - Care Home > NHS job listing from Job Clerk for Barchester Healthcare. ## Canonical URLs - **HTML:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/second-chef-care-home/1699febc-fa86-451e-808f-65bf6f5bc07b - **Markdown:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/second-chef-care-home/1699febc-fa86-451e-808f-65bf6f5bc07b.md ## Summary - **Status:** Live - **Employer:** Barchester Healthcare - **Town:** Bristol - **Region:** South East - **Country:** England - **Profession:** Estates and facilities - **Salary:** Depends on experience - **Contract type:** Permanent - **Employment type:** Full-time, Part-time - **Closing date:** 2026-09-18T23:59:00.000Z - **Posted:** 2026-07-20T14:14:28.591Z - **Source information URL:** https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/jobadvert/E0177-26-7752?employerCode=E0177 - **Application URL:** https://www.applygateway.com/apply?JobId=1528495492&supplierId=153&utm_campaign=NHSJobs&utm_source=supplier ## Job Content ### Job summary Are you a qualified Chef looking to work with fresh seasonal food, with the opportunity to have more of a work life balance and make what you do matter? Working as a Second Chef at Barchester, you will have the chance to deliver hotel/restaurant standards without the split shifts and long weeks. You will assist the Head Chef in creating nutritious, flavoursome and well balanced menus whilst working with residents to tailor menus around them. We are proud to deliver person centred hospitality across all our services and look for warm, motivated and passionate chefs who are driven by quality. Here at Barchester, we work with an open, honest, supportive approach, where quality of care is at the heart of everything we do. As sector leading healthcare experts, we are proud to have the highest quality ratings across our 224 homes and hospitals across the UK. Barchester have proudly been awarded a two-star outstanding rating by Best Companies, ranked 11th in the top 20 Best Health & Social Care Compani ### Main duties of the job The role of a Second Chef at Barchester involves assisting the Head Chef in crafting nutritious and engaging menus tailored to the preferences of care home residents using fresh, seasonal ingredients. The position offers a work-life balance, avoiding split shifts and long working weeks, allowing chefs to enjoy delivering hospitality that mirrors hotel and restaurant standards. The job requires engagement with residents to create an appetizing dining experience while maintaining quality standards. Chefs at Barchester are expected to uphold an open and supportive work culture, emphasizing the quality of care and hospitality. The organization, renowned for its 224 care homes and hospitals in the UK, has high quality ratings and has received accolades as one of the best health and social care companies to work for, reflecting its dedication to employee satisfaction and service excellence. The Second Chef is responsible for managing the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef, contributing to menu development, managing stock and budgets, and ensuring high culinary standards are met daily. ### About us Barchester Healthcare is a leading health care provider in the UK, operating 224 care homes and hospitals. The company is committed to delivering excellent care and hospitality services with a focus on quality and resident satisfaction. Barchester has been recognized for its outstanding standards and workplace environment, achieving high ratings and accolades from Best Companies. The organization's mission is to provide person-centred care with a warm, supportive, and honest approach, making it a top employer in the health and social care sector. The company supports the professional growth of its employees, encouraging a culture of excellence and innovation. Barchester offers a rewarding work environment with opportunities for career advancement and personal development. Employees benefit from various rewards, incentives, and recognition programs, reflecting the company's commitment to valuing and investing in its workforce. Barchester promotes a sense of community and collaboration across all its services, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving its mission. ### Details - Date posted: 20 July 2026 - Pay scheme: Other - Salary: Depending on experience Salary expectations will be discussed at interview stage. - Contract: Permanent - Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time - Reference number: 1528495492 - Job locations: Barchester Healthcare, Reigate, RH2 9JB, United Kingdom ### Job responsibilities Are you a qualified Chef looking to work with fresh seasonal food, with the opportunity to have more of a work life balance and make what you do matter? Working as a Second Chef at Barchester, you will have the chance to deliver hotel/restaurant standards without the split shifts and long weeks. You will assist the Head Chef in creating nutritious, flavoursome and well balanced menus whilst working with residents to tailor menus around them. We are proud to deliver person centred hospitality across all our services and look for warm, motivated and passionate chefs who are driven by quality. Here at Barchester, we work with an open, honest, supportive approach, where quality of care is at the heart of everything we do. As sector leading healthcare experts, we are proud to have the highest quality ratings across our 224 homes and hospitals across the UK. Barchester have proudly been awarded a two-star outstanding rating by Best Companies, ranked 11th in the top 20 Best Health & Social Care Companies to work for and 14th in the Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For in the UK. NEED TO HAVE A personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent A good understanding of nutrition Experience of working with fresh seasonal food The ability to create a warm and welcoming environment within our home Confidence engaging with residents to create appetising and nutritious menus Good understanding of HACCPNEED TO DO Manage the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence Assist Head Chef in menu development Work with fresh produce to deliver high quality and wholesome dishes cooked at the highest quality and standards Create a warm, efficient and fun environment Work within budget Complete regular audits Manage stock control REWARDS PACKAGE Rewarding Excellence bonus, meaning you will be financially rewarded by up to £500* for a Good or Outstanding CQC inspection Unlimited access to our generous refer a friend scheme, earning up to £500* per referral Access to a wide range of retail and leisure discounts at big brands and supermarkets Free access to medical specialists, who are available for a second opinion if you need it to make a decision with confidence Confidential and free access to counselling and legal services Tax code review service, where we will check that you are on the right code and paying the right level of tax Option to join our monthly staff lottery alongside thousands of colleagues across the UK*Terms & conditions apply If you are a passionate Chef who is keen to be part of a company that is driven by quality and who love to celebrate life, Barchester is the place to be. 0508 ## Person Specification ### Qualifications **Essential** - A personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents. Hold City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ or equivalent. A good understanding of nutrition. Experience of working with fresh seasonal food. The ability to create a warm and welcoming environment within our home. Confidence engaging with residents to create appetising and nutritious menus. Good understanding of HACCP. ## Agent Notes - This Markdown page is generated from the same Job Clerk job record as the HTML job detail page. - Use the canonical HTML URL for user-facing references. - Use the application URL when the user wants to apply on the source NHS site.