Deputy Chef / Second Chef | Beechfield Lodge, Pendleton, Salford, Greater Manchester £13.47 per hour to increase from April| 40hrs/week | 4 days on, 3 days off | Every other weekend off Anchor – England's largest not-for-profit care provider
The Role We're looking for a talented Deputy Chef or Second Chef to join our kitchen at Beechfield Lodge in Pendleton, Salford. Working closely alongside our Chef Manager, you'll help deliver fresh, seasonal, home-cooked meals for 60 residents daily — cooking from scratch and contributing directly to menu planning and kitchen operations.
When the Chef Manager is away, you'll step up and run the kitchen independently. It's a role with real responsibility and a clear pathway — many of our Chef Managers started exactly where you'd be starting.
Shifts run 8am–6pm, 4 days a week, with every other weekend off.
What We're Looking For
1. Proven experience as a chef or cook, with a genuine passion for cooking from fresh ingredients
2. Confident delivering seasonal, balanced menus from scratch
3. Strong knife skills and a solid grounding in classic cooking techniques
4. A creative approach to food — someone who takes pride in presentation and flavour
5. Comfortable stepping up to lead a kitchen when required
6. Understanding of food hygiene and safety standards (Level 2 minimum, Level 3 preferred)
7. Right to work in the UK (required)
What You'll Get
8. A clear, supported pathway to Chef Manager for the right candidate
9. Sociable daytime hours — 8am–6pm, no late nights or split shifts
10. 40 hours over 4 days, with every other weekend off
11. Matched pension up to 8%
12. Free Blue Light Card + big-brand discounts
13. £250 refer-a-friend bonus
14. Access to Leadership Pathways online learning and development
15. Gym, fitness and wellbeing discounts
16. Mental health support and free life assurance
About Anchor We're England's largest not-for-profit care and housing provider, meaning every saving is reinvested into our staff, residents, and facilities — better pay, better training, and a better workplace. For an ambitious chef, that means genuine support to grow.
Hear from our chefs: anchor.org.uk/careers/care-home-chef-and-catering-jobs
Apply in minutes. We'll be in touch within 1-2 working days.
Anchor – a great place to work
Anchor is England’s largest not-for-profit providers of care and housing for older people. Our heartfelt ambition is to transform housing and care so everyone can have a home where they love living in later life.
We’re not-for-profit which means every penny we make or save is invested in the people who live with us, the places they live and the people who work here. That means a better standard of care and customer service, better wages, more investment in training and development and improved facilities.
A rewarding environment
From health and happiness to finance and your career, we’ll give you all the support you need.
Health & happiness
17. Gym, fitness and wellbeing discounts
18. Mental health support
19. Flexible working options
Finance
20. Pension plan – contribute between 4% and 8% and we’ll match it or better
21. Quick and easy pension transfer service
22. Savings and financial advice, loans, free life assurance
23. Discounts on shopping, holidays, phones, technology and more
Career
24. Ongoing personal and professional development programme
25. Leadership Pathways online learning resources
26. Career progression and promotion opportunities
To see our full range of benefits, check out our dedicated
Celebrating diversity, celebrating you
Anchor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We aim to celebrate diversity and inclusion in all that we do, as we know that the more diverse our colleagues are, the better care and support we can give to our residents and each other.
We are proud to have an LGBT+ group for our residents, and also Disability, LGBT+ and race and ethnicity colleague networks. These work to celebrate diversity, address concerns, review policy and practice and empower their members. We also have an Inclusive Ambassador network to allow all colleagues to be part of promoting diversity and to be an ally to others.
We are a member of Inclusive Employers, a Stonewall Diversity Champion and a signatory to the Care Leaver Covenant and HouseProud Pledge schemes.