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- Tasks: Prepare and serve high-quality meals for residents in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join Runwood Homes, a top UK care provider dedicated to innovative elderly care.
- Benefits: Enjoy employee support programmes and discounts, plus no split shifts or long hours.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team delivering person-centred hospitality in a caring setting.
- Qualifications: Relevant catering experience and NVQ Level 2 or equivalent required.
- Other info: Opportunity to deputise for the Head Chef and grow within a reputable organisation.
Runwood Homes is one of the UK’s largest residential elderly care providers, recently ranked in the top 20 care home groups in the UK. The Group operates 76 homes in England and Northern Ireland under three brands: Runwood Senior Living, Sanders Senior Living, and Kathryn Homes (Northern Ireland only). Runwood Homes Group invests heavily in internal, external, and e-training programmes for staff at every level. Our reputation for providing innovative care for people living with dementia continues to grow.
We are currently recruiting for a Second Chef to join our Hospitality team. Working as a Second Chef at Runwood Homes offers the opportunity to deliver hotel/restaurant standards without split shifts and long hours. We seek warm, motivated, and passionate chefs who prioritize quality and high standards to provide person-centred hospitality to our residents. At Runwood Homes, we foster an open, honest, and supportive environment where quality of care is paramount.
Key responsibilities:- Maintain all stages of food preparation to the highest standards, ensuring residents' well-being.
- Prepare and serve meals in accordance with the menu and company requirements.
- Ensure compliance with Food Safety & Hygiene Regulations (England 2013 / Northern Ireland 2006).
- Ensure the quality of meals in presentation and taste.
- Maintain portion control procedures to minimize waste.
- Meet individual dietary requirements (e.g., high calorie, low sugar) by following appropriate recipes and adapting dishes as needed.
- Implement systems and checks to provide a safe, healthy, and efficient working environment.
- Store all food and items correctly.
- Monitor stock levels, maintain effective stock rotation, and place orders when required.
- Deputize for the Head Chef when necessary.
- Relevant catering experience.
- NVQ Level 2 or City & Guilds equivalent.
- Team player.
- Understanding of dietary and nutritional requirements and methods to meet them.
- Genuine interest in working within a caring environment.
- Effective communication skills at all levels.
- Satisfactory police check and checks against the ISA list (if applicable).
- Basic understanding of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Employee Assistance Programme offering support and counselling, available to employees and immediate family. Access to discounts through various schemes.
Cook - The Grange - Wickford employer: Runwood Homes
Contact Detail:
Runwood Homes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook - The Grange - Wickford
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Runwood Homes' values and mission. Understanding their commitment to quality care and person-centred hospitality will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your passion for working in a caring environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your relevant catering experience and any specific skills related to dietary requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you've adapted meals in the past to meet individual needs, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teamwork abilities. Since the role requires collaboration with the Head Chef and other kitchen staff, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team to achieve high standards in food preparation.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations. Being knowledgeable about these standards will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you prioritise the well-being of residents.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook - The Grange - Wickford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Cook position at Runwood Homes. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous catering experience, especially in a care environment. Mention specific examples of how you've maintained high food safety and hygiene standards.
Show Your Passion: Express your genuine interest in working within a caring environment. Use your cover letter to convey your motivation for applying and how you align with the values of Runwood Homes.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, make sure to proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the culinary field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Runwood Homes
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your genuine love for cooking and how it translates into your work. Share specific examples of dishes you enjoy preparing and how you ensure quality in every meal.
✨Understand Dietary Requirements
Familiarise yourself with common dietary needs, especially those relevant to elderly care. Be prepared to discuss how you would adapt recipes to meet individual dietary requirements during the interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
As a Second Chef, you'll need to work closely with others. Share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with a team, emphasising your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Food Safety
Be ready to discuss food safety and hygiene regulations. Show that you understand the importance of these standards in a care environment and how you implement them in your daily work.
