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Assistant Chef / Second Chef – The Sidcup Care Home, DA14 4BG
Location
The Sidcup Care Home, 2-8 Hatherley Road, Sidcup, DA14 4BG
Contract & Details
- Employment type: Permanent – Full-time (40 hours per week)
- Hours: Monday to Friday (including some weekends if needed)
- Salary: £13.89 – £15.40 per hour (depending on experience)
- CQC Rating: Good
- Carehome.co.uk rating: 9.6 / 10
About the Role
We’re seeking a talented and passionate Assistant Chef / Second Chef to join our warm and welcoming team at The Sidcup Care Home. If you have a genuine love for fresh, nutritious food and want to make a meaningful impact on residents' lives by delivering exceptional dining experiences, we’d love to hear from you.
As an Assistant Chef, you’ll work closely with our Chef Manager, supporting the daily operations of the kitchen and ensuring every meal is delicious, nutritious, and tailored to residents’ needs.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation & Service
- Prepare and cook high-quality, nutritious meals using fresh ingredients
- Develop varied, inclusive menus that accommodate dietary restrictions, preferences, and nutritional requirements
- Ensure excellent service to enhance residents’ comfort and dining experience
Team Leadership & Training
- Lead and support the kitchen team in maintaining high standards of food preparation, cooking, and hygiene
- Mentor staff to improve their skills and confidence in culinary tasks
Safety, Hygiene & Compliance
- Maintain strict adherence to HACCP, COSHH, and company food safety standards
- Observe rigorous hygiene and cleanliness protocols to guarantee safe dining for residents
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Stock & Operations
- Assist with stock control, ordering, and budget management
- Help organise seasonal events, birthday celebrations, and themed dining (e.g. Special Occasions, Heritage Days)
Customer Experience
- Perform pre-dinner checks and personalise meals to each resident’s needs
- Participate in tea rounds and contribute to pleasant social interactions
Requirements & Skills
Essential
- Previous experience in a fresh food kitchen environment
- Valid food hygiene qualification/certificate
- Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices
- Great organisational and communication skills
- Passion for nutritious, well-presented meals and meaningful food experiences
- Ability to show flexibility, initiative, and enthusiasm
Desirable (but not essential)
- Formal culinary training
- Experience tailoring menus for special health conditions/preferences
Why Join Bupa?
At Bupa, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive package to support your wellbeing, development, and financial security.
Benefits Included:
- My Healthcare – 24/7 access to GP, physiotherapy, mental health support, and more
- Annual healthcare allowance (worth ~£350) to spend on Bupa products
- Stream – Early access to up to 40% of earned wages before payday
- Enhanced sick pay for frontline staff
- Free meal on every shift
- Long-service rewards (additional holiday, recognition awards)
- Interest-free annual travel loan
- Bupa pension schemes (with contributions)
- Gym and fitness discounts at premier facilities
- Access to Viva, our global wellbeing programme covering physical, mental, financial, and social health
- Flexible career progression in a forward-thinking environment
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About The Sidcup Care Home
Our modern, purpose-built care home provides a warm, homely atmosphere where residents enjoy peace of mind, along with: ✔ Fully-equipped en-suite bedrooms with high-quality furnishings ✔ Stunning gardens for relaxation and outdoor activities ✔ Tailored nutritious meals using fresh ingredients, crafted by the chef according to personalised menus ✔ Regular fresh cakes, tea rounds, and special dining events
At Bupa, We Believe in Inclusivity
Our vision is to create a workplace where everyone feels valued—our diversity drives our culture and makes us stronger.
✅ Level 2 Disability Confident Employer – We guarantee interview opportunities for applicants who meet the criteria ❌ Reasonable adjustments are in place at every stage of the recruitment process if needed
Ready to Make a Difference?
Apply today and be part of Bupa’s mission: To help people live longer, happier, and healthier lives. Our global team believes in going above and beyond for our residents and colleagues alike.
We call it "making health happen."
Wherever you work, our colleagues are passionate about their roles—because helping others is our purpose.
Bupa – Leading the way in care and growing the people behind it.
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