Peripatetic Chef

Job summary

A new and exciting opportunity has come up within our catering team! 

Are you a qualified Chef looking for better work-life balance while still making a meaningful difference? Do you thrive in dynamic environments where no two days are the same? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. 

We’re looking for an Operational Peripatetic Chef (OPC) to support multiple care homes from Winchester to East Grinstead, ensuring continuity, quality, and compliance across our services. 

This is a key operational leadership role responsible for delivering safe, high-quality catering services across 7 locations. As an OPC, you will step into kitchens where support is needed most — stabilising services, leading teams, and ensuring standards are consistently met. 

Hours: 

• 3 days per week (retained basis) 

• 10-hour operational service days 

• Overtime available 

Pay: 

• £19 per hour 

Working Requirements: 

• Alternate weekends (Saturday or Sunday) 

• 50% of bank holidays 

Additional: 

• Mileage reimbursed (Travel time not paid) 

Benefits: 

• Free meal on shift 

• Free Initial DBS 

• Life Assurance *Subject to eligibility 

• Blue Light Card 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

• Not for Profit Care Provider 

• Early Pay 

About the Role 

As an Operational Peripatetic Chef, you will travel between care homes to: 

• Deliver high-quality, safe, and compliant food services 

• Step in to support kitchens during absence or operational challenges 

• Troubleshoot service issues and improve performance 

• Ensure adherence to food safety, nutrition, and regulatory standards 

• Train and support kitchen teams to maintain consistency 

You’ll play a crucial role in maintaining stability across our care homes, ensuring residents receive nutritious, enjoyable meals every day. 

This role is ideal if you are: 

Required: 

• A qualified Chef with experience in high-volume or care-based catering 

• Confident stepping into new environments and leading by example 

• Experienced in maintaining food safety and compliance standards 

• Flexible and willing to travel across multiple sites 

• Highly organised, adaptable, and calm under pressure 

• Passionate about delivering high-quality, fresh food 

• Must have a full UK drivers licence 

Desirable: 

• Previous experience working across multiple sites or in peripatetic roles 

• Experience within the care sector or similar environments 

• Strong team development and coaching abilities 

Why join us? 

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to quality, consistency, and care. This role offers a unique opportunity to: 

• Gain exposure across multiple services 

• Develop your leadership and operational skills 

• Enjoy greater flexibility and work-life balance 

• Play a vital role in improving service delivery across a wider organisation 

If you’re a flexible, experienced Chef who enjoys variety, leadership, and making a real difference — we’d love to hear from you. 

Join a supportive organisation where your skills will be valued, your impact recognised, and your work truly matters.