Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious menus and lead a passionate kitchen team.
- Company: Runwood Homes, a leading provider of residential care with a focus on quality.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, weekly pay, training support, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through exceptional culinary experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, food hygiene certification, and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.
Care Home: Alexandra House
Hours per week: 40
Salary: To be discussed
About the role:
We are currently recruiting for a Head Chef to join our Hospitality team. Working as a Head Chef at Runwood Homes, you will have the chance to deliver hotel and restaurant standard meals without the split shifts and long hours. Our Head Chefs have full autonomy in creating nutritious, flavoursome, and well-balanced menus, whilst liaising with residents to ensure they are involved in the menu creations. We are looking for a warm, motivated, and passionate Head Chef who is driven by quality and high standards, to deliver person-centred hospitality to our residents.
Benefits of working with Runwood Homes:
- 28 days Paid Holiday
- Weekly Pay
- Pension Scheme
- Blue Light Card and access to various other discounts on travel, restaurants, days out and leisure
- Employee Assistance Scheme that is also available to immediate family members
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing training
- Free DBS Check and uniform
- Funding and support towards obtaining NVQ Level 1 and 2 in Health and Social Care
- Opportunities to progress your career within the company
- Free, on-site parking
- Employee of the Month awards
Key responsibilities:
- Work within the agreed company budget.
- Ensure all kitchen staff are trained on dish specification and budget control.
- Manage the stock in the kitchen.
- Inspire and motivate the team to achieve food to specification and therefore ensure satisfaction of our residents.
- Lead by example, setting the pace and standards.
- Meet monthly with the management team to ensure dietary requirements for all residents are met.
- Train and develop the team to deliver food to specification and exceed residents expectations.
- Ensure all food is cooked to a safe temperature and is taste tested before serving.
- Ensure that the storage of food meets company and statutory health and safety requirements.
- Deliver the company kitchen standards as identified on the kitchen audit.
- Implement and ensure the company Health and Safety policy is met at all times; this includes the training of all kitchen staff.
About you:
The successful Head Chef will have relevant experience within a catering environment. You will have a secure understanding of special dietary and nutritional requirements, and be able to implement methods to ensure these needs are met. You will also have your Intermediate/Advanced Food Hygiene certificate, and a full understanding of H.A.C.C.P. You will be responsible for ensuring this is adhered to, and all relevant documentation is completed. Additionally, you will have experience in achieving food margins, and writing and planning menus with costing. As a Head Chef, you will possess excellent leadership skills, and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
About Runwood Homes:
Established in 1987, Runwood Homes is a leading provider of residential care, dementia care, and nursing care services, with a portfolio of over 59 homes across the UK. Our commitment to delivering personalised care is at the core of our mission, as we strive to celebrate the lives of each and every one of our residents. At Runwood Homes, we prioritise the professional development of our staff by investing in comprehensive internal, external, and e-training programs at all levels. This dedication to continuous learning and growth ensures that our team is equipped to provide the highest quality of care to our residents. As we look towards the future, our reputation for delivering innovative care for individuals living with dementia continues to flourish. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of care excellence and setting new standards in the industry.
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of adults. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances. You can apply for this role by completing our short application form or by visiting the home where one of our team can help you.
Head Chef in Harlow employer: Runwood Care Homes
Contact Detail:
Runwood Care Homes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Harlow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, join culinary groups, and attend local food events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and menu ideas. This will not only impress potential employers but also give them a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common chef-related questions. Think about how you would handle dietary restrictions or manage a busy kitchen. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel ready to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s quick and easy, plus it shows you’re serious about joining our team. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out the application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for cooking and hospitality.
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in catering and any leadership roles you've had. We love seeing how you've made an impact in previous kitchens!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read through the job description and align your skills with what we’re looking for. Mention specific examples of how you meet our requirements, especially around menu planning and dietary needs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s quick and easy, and it ensures your application gets to us without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Runwood Care Homes
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with a variety of dishes and dietary requirements. Be ready to discuss how you would create menus that cater to different tastes and nutritional needs, as this will show your passion for quality and person-centred hospitality.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others, as well as how you’ve trained staff to meet high standards. This is crucial for a Head Chef role where teamwork is key.
✨Understand Budget Management
Brush up on your knowledge of budget control and food margins. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed costs in previous roles while still delivering high-quality meals. This will demonstrate your capability to work within the agreed company budget.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Safety
Make sure you can talk about your understanding of health and safety regulations, including H.A.C.C.P. and food hygiene standards. Being able to articulate how you ensure compliance in the kitchen will reassure them of your professionalism and attention to detail.
