Barchester Healthcare
Second Chef - Care Home

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Second Chef - Care Home
Second Chef – Barchester
Are you a qualified Chef looking to work with fresh seasonal food, with the opportunity for a better work-life balance while making a meaningful impact?
Working as a Second Chef at Barchester, you’ll address hotel/restaurant standards without the split shifts and long hours. You’ll assist the Head Chef to design nutritious, flavourful, and well-balanced menus tailored to residents. We pride ourselves on person-centred hospitality, making it essential to be warm, motivated, and passionate about delivering high-quality food and care.
As sector-leading healthcare experts, we enjoy the highest CQC quality ratings across our network of 224 homes and hospitals in the UK. We’ve been proud to earn a two-star Outstanding rating from Best Companies, ranked #11 in the Top 20 Best Health & Social Care Companies to Work For and #14 in the Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For in the UK.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Requirements – Must Have
- A personable and warm approach with a genuine interest in the well-being of residents
- City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ qualification or equivalent
- Strong understanding of nutrition
- Experience working with fresh seasonal food
- The ability to create a warm and welcoming environment
- Confidence in engaging with residents to design appetising, nutritious menus
- Good understanding of HACCP principles
Key Responsibilities
- Manage kitchen operations in the Head Chef’s absence
- Assist the Head Chef in menu development
- Create high-quality, wholesome dishes using fresh produce
- Foster a warm, efficient, and enjoyable working environment
- Work within budgetary constraints
- Conduct regular audits and maintain effective stock control
Rewards & Benefits


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
- Rewarding Excellence Bonus: Potential payment of up to £500* for Good or Outstanding CQC inspection ratings
- Refer a Friend Scheme: Earn up to £500* per successful referral (unlimited referrals)
- Partner discounts: Access to a range of retail and leisure deals across major brands and supermarkets
- Healthcare support: Free access to medical specialists for second opinions and advice
- Employee assistance: Confidential and free counselling and legal services available
- Tax optimisation: Comprehensive tax code review service to ensure you’re on the right tax band
- Staff lottery: Entry into a monthly national staff lottery alongside thousands of colleagues across the UK
Terms & Conditions apply.
If you’re a driven Chef who loves making a difference and celebrating life through great food, Barchester is the perfect place for you.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
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