Second Chef - Care Home, Ringwood

Barchester is a sector‑leading provider of high‑quality healthcare services, operating 224 homes and hospitals across the UK. We are proudly 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.

As a Second Chef, you will support the Head Chef in delivering hotel/restaurant‑standard food, ensuring residents receive nutritious, flavoursome and well‑balanced menus. You will work directly with residents to tailor menus to their preferences and dietary needs, helping to maintain a warm, welcoming, and efficient kitchen environment.

• Manage the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence.
• Assist the Head Chef in menu development and daily operational planning.
• Work with fresh, seasonal produce to prepare high‑quality, wholesome dishes cooked to the highest standards.
• Create a warm, efficient and fun kitchen atmosphere.
• Maintain food safety and hygiene standards, including HACCP compliance.
• Carry out regular audits, manage stock control and work within budget constraints.

• Personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents.
• Hold a City & Guilds, NVQ, SVQ or equivalent qualification.
• Good understanding of nutrition and experience working with fresh seasonal food.
• Ability to create a welcoming environment within a residential setting.
• Confidence engaging with residents to produce appetising, nutritious menus.
• Strong grasp of HACCP and food safety regulations.

• Rewarding Excellence bonus – financially rewarded 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 major brands and supermarkets.
• Free access to medical specialists and optional second opinions.
• Confidential and free access to counselling and legal services.
• Tax code review service to ensure correct tax level.
• Option to participate in the monthly staff lottery with colleagues from across the UK.
• *Terms & conditions apply.

Barchester is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including BAME, disadvantaged, over 55, non‑binary, disabled, and non‑heterosexual individuals.