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- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create delicious, nutritious meals for our residents.
- Company: Runwood Homes is a top provider of residential and nursing care across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days paid holiday, weekly pay, and discounts with a Blue Light Card.
- Why this job: Join us for a fulfilling role that combines culinary creativity with meaningful impact on residents' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, food hygiene certification, and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and ongoing training available.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
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, paid 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 Ware, Hertfordshire 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 Ware, Hertfordshire
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary and nutritional requirements relevant to care homes. Understanding these needs will not only help you in your role but also demonstrate your commitment to providing personalised care during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past. Be ready to discuss how you inspire and motivate others, as this is crucial for the Head Chef position.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Runwood Homes and their approach to care. Being knowledgeable about their values and mission will allow you to align your answers with their expectations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with menu planning and cost control. Highlight any successful menus you've created and how they met budgetary constraints while still delivering high-quality meals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Ware, Hertfordshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head Chef position. Familiarise yourself with the specific duties mentioned in the job description, such as menu planning and dietary needs.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in catering and leadership. Emphasise your knowledge of special dietary requirements, food hygiene certifications, and any previous roles that demonstrate your ability to manage a kitchen effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and hospitality. Mention your motivation to create nutritious meals and your commitment to high standards, as well as how you can contribute to the team at Runwood Homes.
Complete the Application Form: When filling out the online application form, ensure all sections are completed accurately. Double-check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and provide detailed answers that reflect your skills and experiences relevant to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Runwood Care Homes
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for cooking and creating nutritious meals. Share specific examples of dishes you've crafted and how you engage with residents to tailor menus to their preferences.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to inspire your team. Discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've motivated kitchen staff in previous roles to achieve high standards and maintain quality.
✨Highlight Your Knowledge of Dietary Needs
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of special dietary requirements and how you've successfully implemented these in past positions. This will show that you can cater to the diverse needs of residents.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about menu planning, budgeting, and food safety regulations. Brush up on your knowledge of H.A.C.C.P. and be ready to explain how you ensure compliance in the kitchen.
