At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations across care homes, ensuring high food quality and resident satisfaction.
- Company: Runwood Homes, a leading provider of residential and nursing care services.
- Benefits: 28 days paid holiday, pension scheme, discounts, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible role with travel; strong focus on professional development and team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through delicious, tailored meals.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef, Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene, and a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
To cover a cluster of homes in Essex.
About the role: We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Regional Head Chef to join our Hospitality team. You will work alongside our Regional Support Chef & Group Hospitality Manager to support kitchen operations across multiple care home sites within a region/cluster, ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and resident satisfaction. This is a flexible role requiring travel between homes. You'll step in to support homes during absences & assist with new openings ensuring consistent delivery of tasty, well-balanced meals tailored to residents' needs.
Key duties and responsibilities:
- Liaise with the Hospitality management team to create regular chef's forums and training sessions to cover the needs of the homes you are supporting.
- When required, audit the kitchen operations to ensure that the food quality, presentation, and service are provided to the appropriate standards as defined by the catering policies and mealtime standards.
- Develop and maintain good working relationships with the homes management and kitchen teams through regular personal contact.
- Ensure compliance with nutritional guidelines and individual care plans.
- Support on-site chefs across care homes.
- Step in to lead kitchen operations during staff shortages or absences.
- Ensure all kitchens meet food hygiene, health & safety, and HACCP standards.
- Conduct audits and implement corrective actions where needed.
- Train and develop kitchen staff.
- Promote a positive kitchen culture and high performance.
- Maintain food budgets, where possible.
- Monitor waste and portion control.
- Gather feedback from residents and families to improve meal satisfaction.
Benefits of working with Runwood Homes:
- 28 days Paid Holiday
- Paid Mileage
- 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
- Opportunities to progress your career within the company
The successful candidate will have:
- Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene (minimum)
- Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel across the region
- Proven experience as a Head Chef, ideally in a care or healthcare setting
- A flexible and adaptable approach with strong organisational skills
- Genuine interest in working within a caring environment
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels
- Team player
- Willingness to participate in vocational training programmes
- Satisfactory DBS result and good references
- Experience of the provision of catering services, food preparation and presentation
This is a field-based role and will require the successful candidate to travel within the region. Access to a car and a driving license is essential.
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 55 homes across England. 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. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive sufficient applications or successfully recruit a suitable candidate. Early application is therefore encouraged.
Regional Head Chef employer: Runwood Care Homes
Join our dynamic Finance team as a Sales Ledger Assistant, where you'll thrive in a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive benefits, flexible working hours, and ample opportunities for career advancement, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Head Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Runwood Care Homes. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Runwood Care Homes
Don't be shy about reaching out to Runwood Care Homes directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Runwood Care Homes and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Runwood Care Homes
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
