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- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious menus and lead a passionate kitchen team.
- Company: Runwood Homes, a leading provider of residential care services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 28 days holiday, weekly pay, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through quality cooking and hospitality.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, food hygiene certification, and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with ongoing training and development.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
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Care Home: Elizabeth House
Hours per week: 35 (4 - 5 days per week) / Alternative weekends
Salary: £15.50 to £16.00 an hour
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 South Benfleet 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 South Benfleet
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Runwood Homes. Understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Try doing mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on common questions for Head Chefs, like how you handle dietary requirements or manage kitchen staff. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Bring along a portfolio of your best dishes or menu ideas. This not only highlights your culinary skills but also demonstrates your passion for creating nutritious and flavoursome meals for residents.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in South Benfleet
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out the application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for cooking and how you connect with residents.
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and any special dietary knowledge you have. We’re looking for a Head Chef who can create amazing menus, so give us the details on your culinary achievements!
Follow Instructions: Pay close attention to the application form and ensure every section is completed. This helps us review your application smoothly and shows that you can follow guidelines—an essential skill in the kitchen!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s quick and easy, plus it ensures your application goes straight to us. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 balanced 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
As a Head Chef, you’ll need to inspire and motivate your team. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully led a kitchen team in the past, focusing on training staff and maintaining high standards. This will demonstrate your ability to lead by example and manage effectively.
✨Understand Budget Management
Familiarise yourself with budget control and food margins. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed costs in previous roles while still delivering high-quality meals. This will highlight your financial acumen and commitment to the company’s goals.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Safety
Make sure you can talk about your knowledge of health and safety regulations, including H.A.C.C.P. and food hygiene standards. Discuss how you ensure compliance in the kitchen, as this is crucial for maintaining a safe environment for both staff and residents.