Second Chef

Care UK Crowborough, England, United Kingdom Second Chef Care UK is looking for an experienced Second Chef to join our award‑winning catering team. This role offers a supportive environment with great training, work‑life balance, and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Base pay range: Heather View, Crowborough Being a Second Chef at Care UK Second Chefs work closely with the Head Chef, sharing information, raising standards through culinary development and innovation. They manage the kitchen, create nutritious balanced menus, resolve issues, maintain discipline and morale, and enjoy the autonomy to deliver high‑quality meals for residents. What you’ll be doing • Assist the Head Chef in ensuring food is prepared to agreed standards and deadlines are met. • Take charge of running the kitchen in their absence. • Use modern equipment and fresh local produce to develop full diet‑sensitive meals. • Consult with residents to meet their dietary needs and preferences. • Prepare food in line with specific diets, making a real difference. What you’ll need • Catering Diploma (City & Guilds/BTEC) and NVQ 2/3 in practical cookery. • Health and Safety and Food Hygiene Certificates (minimum Level 2). • Knowledge of nutritionally balanced menu planning and ability to cater for specific dietary needs. • Experience in a care home, stock control or budgeting is desirable but not essential. • A natural desire to help make the lives of others more fulfilling and a willingness to work hard, yet find the role fun and rewarding. The benefits Alternate weekend working and sociable working hours Competitive rates of pay, regularly reviewed against the local market Opportunities to progress to Head Chef through personalised career paths Quality, free training to develop and enhance skills Online and in‑store discounts across major retailers – savings on holidays, supermarkets, travel, etc. Employee Assistance Programme – confidential telephone counselling and legal information, available 24/7, 365 days a year Seniority level Not applicable Employment type Full‑time Job function Health Care Provider – Hospitals and Health Care, Nursing Homes and Residential Care Facilities #J-18808-Ljbffr