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- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations across multiple care homes, ensuring high food quality and resident satisfaction.
- Company: Runwood Homes, a leading provider of residential and dementia care services.
- Benefits: 28 days paid holiday, pension scheme, discounts, and comprehensive training.
- Other info: Flexible role with opportunities for career progression and a positive kitchen culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while developing your culinary career.
- Qualifications: Proven Head Chef experience, Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene, and a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Regional Head Chef to join our Hospitality team. You will work alongside our Regional Support Chef and 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.
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.
To 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. Train and develop kitchen staff. Promote a positive kitchen culture and high performance. Maintain food budgets, where possible. Monitor waste and portion control.
- 28 days Paid Holiday
- 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
Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene (minimum) is required. A full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel across the region is essential. Proven experience as a Head Chef, ideally in a care or healthcare setting is necessary. A flexible and adaptable approach with strong organisational skills is important. Willingness to participate in vocational training programmes is expected. A satisfactory DBS result and good references are required. Experience of the provision of catering services, food preparation and presentation is essential.
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.
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.
Chefs - Executive Chef in South Benfleet employer: Runwood Care Homes
Contact Detail:
Runwood Care Homes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chefs - Executive Chef in South Benfleet
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who work in care settings. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a small cooking demo or a tasting session for potential employers. This gives them a taste of what you can bring to the table—literally!
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready to adapt. The role requires travel and working across multiple sites, so highlight your willingness to jump in wherever needed. It shows you're a team player and ready for anything!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chefs - Executive Chef in South Benfleet
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and food shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you in the kitchen. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but someone who truly cares about the quality of food and the satisfaction of residents.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience, especially in care or healthcare settings. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique challenges of catering in these environments, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be good to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Runwood Care Homes
✨Know Your Culinary Standards
Familiarise yourself with the food quality, safety, and presentation standards expected in a care home setting. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance with nutritional guidelines and HACCP standards in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Regional Head Chef, you'll need to lead kitchen operations and train staff. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, handled staff shortages, or improved kitchen culture in your past experiences.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
This role requires travel and adaptability across multiple sites. Share instances where you've successfully adapted to new environments or challenges, highlighting your organisational skills and ability to maintain high standards under pressure.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Make sure to ask insightful questions about the company's approach to resident satisfaction and team development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.