Second Chef – Care Home (Edinburgh)

About the role

Join Barchester Healthcare as a Second Chef in our Edinburgh care home, delivering hotel‑standard meals for residents while enjoying a balanced work schedule. You’ll support the Head Chef in creating nutritious, seasonal menus tailored to individual needs.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence.
• Assist with menu development and creation of balanced, flavourful dishes.
• Work with fresh, seasonal produce to maintain high culinary standards.
• Foster a warm, efficient, and enjoyable kitchen environment.
• Operate within budgetary constraints and conduct regular audits.
• Oversee stock control and ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Required profile

• Personable, warm approach with genuine interest in residents’ wellbeing.
• Hold City & Guilds, NVQ, SVQ or equivalent culinary qualification.
• Good understanding of nutrition and fresh seasonal food.
• Confidence engaging with residents to tailor menus.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP principles.

Required skills

• City & Guilds/NVQ/SVQ culinary qualification.
• HACCP knowledge.
• Stock control.
• Menu development.
• Budget management.
• Audit compliance.

What we offer

• Rewarding Excellence bonus up to £500 for Good or Outstanding CQC inspection.
• Refer‑a‑friend scheme with up to £500 per successful referral.
• Retail and leisure discounts at major brands.
• Free access to medical specialists, counselling and legal services.
• Tax code review service.
• Monthly staff lottery participation.