We need your consent

Are you happy to accept 'Functional' cookies?

We use a cookie for this feature. This is so that the feature continues to work as you navigate the website and to save it so it's still available when you return.

Second Chef

Mildenhall Lodge
Mildenhall, Suffolk

Scroll

Mildenhall, Suffolk

Are you an aspiring Second Chef with experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment with an emphasis on fresh and seasonal produce? Looking for a rewarding career with excellent training and opportunities for development? Then join Care UK, a multi award winning care provider as a Second Chef.

The Role

  • Leading the team in the smooth running of the kitchen operation
  • Develop nutritious and diet sensitive meals for residents and their requirements
  • Menu design and planning
  • Managing stock control and adhering to food cost guidelines
  • Ensure compliance with both Food Safety and Health and Safety in the kitchen
  • Training, supervising, and developing a team to help them make the most of their potential

Some of our benefits by joining the Care UK family

  • Alternate weekend and social working hours
  • Bank Holiday Pay Enhancements* (*where applicable)
  • Career development, training and access to our approved apprenticeship scheme
  • Hundreds of online and in-store discounts
  • Annual purchase holiday scheme
  • Wellbeing support
  • Wagestream- access your wages at any-time

Career Development
We have our own Catering Academy to provide excellent training and induction programs for all new Catering Staff and we will give you all that’s needed to have a successful career as a Chef with us. Our high quality, innovative training and coaching will support the development of your skills throughout your career with us.
We are looking for people to make a difference to residents’ lives every day. When you join Care UK you’ll be joining a team who all share the same values: caring, passionate and teamwork. You will have a strong desire to help people and put residents at the heart of everything you do.
We are committed to recruiting diverse, talented people, who share our passion for helping others. We see the potential in everyone, let us help fulfil yours.

Apply now Send to a friend

At a glance

Location

St John’s Close
Mildenhall
Suffolk
IP28 7NX

View map
Pay
Up to £14.89
Shifts
Days
Contract
Permanent
Reference
SYS-10062

Why work at Mildenhall Lodge

At Care UK's Mildenhall Lodge in Suffolk, providing the highest standard of care for residents is at the heart of what we do. As part of our friendly team, you'll have the opportunity to develop your career and the support to go far.

Our team works in a purpose-built care home located close to the heart of the ancient town of Mildenhall. We provide residential, nursing and dementia care with fantastic facilities for residents, including its own bar, as well as a cinema, hair salon and café.

We truly believe that every one of us makes a difference. If you're a passionate, caring individual who works well in a team, consider a rewarding career at Mildenhall Lodge.

Why work at Mildenhall Lodge
Why work at Mildenhall Lodge
Why work at Mildenhall Lodge

A catering role at Care UK

A catering career at Care UK

Join our team and you'll have the chance to get creative in the kitchen while cooking up nutritious, well-balanced meals that have a direct impact on residents’ health and wellbeing.  

Many catering colleagues join us from restaurants or hotels where they’re used to working long hours late into the night. In a care home, you’ll work more sociable hours, and you’ll also have the opportunity to build relationships by getting to know residents and their tastes and preferences. This is a role where you can really make a difference. 

Looking to progress in your career? Our Chef Academy is designed to support individuals in our hospitality teams to become the future kitchen chefs and leaders within Care UK.

Everyone needs to feel motivated and rewarded, so we offer a competitive package of pay and benefits. Read more here.

Here at Care UK, we want all our colleagues to have a long and successful career with us. Our vision is to provide an inclusive training culture that empowers all colleagues with sector-leading development opportunities. View our opportunities for apprenticeships, development programmes and career progression.

At Care UK, we're proud to promote our diverse workforce and are committed to nurturing an inclusive culture. Our teams’ wellbeing is our top priority, and we believe it’s important to foster a culture of promoting open and honest conversations. Read more here.

As a colleague at Care UK, we believe it’s important that you know what you can expect from your manager to ensure people are fairly treated and properly recognised from day one. Our People Promise sets out clearly what you can expect from your manager and Care UK.

A catering career at Care UK
A catering career at Care UK
A catering career at Care UK

Trusted to care

A closely-knit team of managers, carers, nurses and support colleagues – and each of us is dedicated to your loved one’s care, health and wellbeing.

Hi I’m Ed, the Home Manager at Mildenhall Lodge. I hold a Level 4 qualification in Leadership in Health and Social Care and will complete my Level 5 in February 2026. I have also completed the Future Home Manager course.

My previous role was Deputy Manager at Mildenhall Lodge. I decided to work at Care UK following a recommendation from a family member after the passing of a loved one, which led me to join Davers Court as a Care Assistant—and I’ve never left. I believe the key characteristics needed for my role are being patient, kind, caring, dedicated and passionate, leading by example, having strong coaching abilities, and being a real people person.

My favourite part of the working day is seeing residents enjoying their daily lives and making new memories with loved ones, colleagues and visitors, as well as watching my team grow and develop in their careers.

Outside of work, as an ex-professional dancer, I continue to enjoy dance, performance, teaching and makeup artistry, alongside gardening, reading and spending time with friends and family. My biggest career highlight to date has been working in a Care UK home that achieved an Outstanding rating in all five CQC domains.

What makes me most proud is seeing the whole home work together to ensure residents lead fulfilling lives and create new memories at Mildenhall Lodge. The most important part of my role is coaching and mentoring the entire team to deliver the very best care to our residents, relatives and visitors.

Edward Benton-Bye Home Manager