Second Chef

Bailey Lodge
Bailey Lodge Radwinter Road, Saffron Walden Essex

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Bailey Lodge Radwinter Road, Saffron Walden Essex

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.

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At a glance

Location

Bailey Lodge
Radwinter Road
Saffron Walden
Essex
CB11 3HY

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Pay

Up to £15.50

Shifts

Days

Contract

Permanent

Reference

SYS-15332

Why work at our new Saffron Walden care home

Our new care home in Saffron Walden opens its doors in spring 2026.

At Care UK's Bailey Lodge in Saffron Walden, providing the highest standard of care for residents will be 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 will work in a luxury, purpose-built home in warm and welcoming surroundings. We'll provide short-term and permanent residential and dementia care with fantastic facilities for residents, including our own coffee shop and hair salon, as well as a cinema room and lovely landscaped gardens.

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 Bailey Lodge

Why work at our new Saffron Walden care home

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.

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.

I am passionate about providing meaningful care to older people and ensuring that we make a positive impact on residents’ lives.

I have been a home manager for eight years and have a BSc Hons. in nursing, as well as a level five in health and social care. I chose to join Care UK because of its values and ethos.

In my role, you need to be patient, have good listening and communication skills, and be understanding. Being calm in any situation helps too.

I think my favourite part of the day is the morning. It’s a time when we can decide what to prioritise and how to approach the day.

A lot of moments stand out for me as highlights. I helped achieve an ‘outstanding’ rating for another Care UK home in 2021. I’m also proud to be able to support colleagues and share the knowledge I’ve learned over the years. It’s all about improving care and standards for the better so residents can benefit.

Outside of work, I captain a local cricket team. I also enjoy reading and spending time with my family. My wife is also a nurse, and we have three children so life is wonderful and busy.

Abhilash Gopi Home Manager

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Second Chef