Chef & Kitchen Assistant

Job summary

The Company

Augustinian Care is a well-established organisation with a proud heritage of delivering high-quality care, guided by traditional principles that have been upheld by the Augustinian Sisters since 1868. Today, we combine these values with modern facilities to provide outstanding care within a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

Located between Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath, our services are set within 250 acres of beautiful gardens and farmland, offering a peaceful and therapeutic setting for both residents and staff.

We offer a wide range of services and facilties on site, including two purpose-built care homes with nursing, specialising in dementia care for individuals aged 60 and over with complex needs. Our large, committed team delivers person-centred care in a safe, respectful, and compassionate environment, ensuring each individual is supported to live with dignity, comfort, and wellbeing. In addition, we offer independent living for those over the age of 60 in our retirement village, alongside our assisted living development, creating a diverse and supportive community tailored to different levels of need.

We are committed to developing talent at every level, which is why we actively support employee apprenticeships across a range of disciplines. Whether you’re starting your career or looking to upskill, our apprenticeship pathways offer the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications while working, earning, and learning on the job. We provide ongoing mentorship and a supportive environment that helps you build confidence, grow professionally, and take the next step in your career with us

Benefits

Our rates of pay are competitive, and our staff benefits are extensive and include free uniform, free meal, and a free staff minibus service from both the Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath areas.

• Competitive remuneration
• Job security - Augustinian Care have been caring for the elderly for over 150 years
• Annual pay reviews
• Free uniform provided - For all care and ancillary positions
• Free staff transport - Mini bus pickups on specified routes
• Free on site secure parking
• DBS checks - Company funded checks
• Free meal - One free meal provided when on duty (hot for day shifts and Sandwiches on nights)
• Life Cover - based on a multiple of the last 12 months earnings at date of death
• Employee Assistance Programme including free, confidential, access to advice line and counselling
• Access to Blue Light Card – extensive range of discounts on many high street & online brands/shops
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Referral Scheme - with generous rewards (T&C's apply)
• Long service awards - Financial recognition of long service and commitment
• Paid sick leave (T&C's apply)
• Some other staff benefits include: Staff massage chair, Company Summer Fete and Christmas Party, staff prize draws, various staff well-being talks

The Role

As a Multisite Chef, you will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of our catering services across St George’s Park. This is a unique opportunity to work across a single, beautifully located site, covering four different kitchens within our Retirement Village, Care Homes, and Assisted Living Development—offering excellent variety in your role.

You will be responsible for preparing high-quality meals for our residents at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring exceptional standards of food, service, hygiene, and cleanliness are consistently maintained. When leading a shift as Chef, you will take ownership of the kitchen function, including overseeing the catering team. Strong interpersonal, leadership, and organisational skills are therefore essential for success in this role.

In addition, there will be occasions where you will support the wider team by working as a Kitchen Assistant, with no reduction in pay. During these shifts, you will assist the Chef on duty with food preparation, service, and maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment. This flexible, team-focused approach makes you an integral part of delivering a high-quality dining experience for our residents.

Working Hours

• Full-time position (40 hours per week)
• 4 x 10 hour shifts
• Shifts are rostered and include alternate weekend working, so flexibility to work any day of the week is essential
• Earliest start time: 07:00
• Latest finish time: 21:00

Requirements

• The successful candidate will hold, or be working towards, City and Guilds 706 1 & 2 qualifications or equivalent, relevant qualifications, and current Food Hygiene Certificate Level 3.
• The successful candidate will also have at least 2 years’ experience in catering, or a similar role, and be able to work well under pressure,
• All posts are subject to a clear enhanced criminal record check and satisfactory references. 
• Although it is no longer a legal requirement for staff working within CQC regulated Care Homes for Older Adult Care in England to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated, in the best interests of our staff and residents, we have decided to keep it a mandatory requirement to work for our organisation. Therefore, we will need proof of your COVID Vaccination pass.
• his role does not meet the requirements of Sponsorship. You must have current valid right to work in the UK