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- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious menus and lead a passionate kitchen team.
- Company: Join Runwood Homes, a leader in personalised care with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, weekly pay, discounts, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while enjoying work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, food hygiene certification, and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Ongoing training and development to help you grow your culinary career.
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.
Chef - Leatherland Lodge - Thurrock employer: Runwood Homes Limited
Contact Detail:
Runwood Homes Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef - Leatherland Lodge - Thurrock
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the place! If you can, visit Leatherland Lodge before your interview. Familiarising yourself with the environment and chatting with staff can give you a real feel for the team and the vibe, which is super helpful when you're trying to impress.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for food! When you’re in the interview, don’t just talk about your experience; share your love for creating nutritious and flavoursome meals. Bring examples of menus you've crafted or special dietary needs you've catered to – it’ll show you’re the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! As a Head Chef, you’ll be leading a kitchen team, so highlight your leadership skills and how you inspire others. Share stories of how you’ve motivated your team in the past to meet high standards and deliver great food.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Runwood Homes. Let’s make this happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef - Leatherland Lodge - Thurrock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you to create delicious meals that cater to residents' needs.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to mention any past experiences where you've inspired and motivated others. We want to see how you can bring out the best in your kitchen crew!
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don't just list your previous jobs; dive into the details! Talk about your menu planning, budget management, and how you've met dietary requirements in the past. This will show us you're the right fit for our high standards.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s quick and easy, and you'll get to see all the benefits we offer at Runwood Homes while you're at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Runwood Homes Limited
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to think about the types of menus you would create for the residents. Familiarise yourself with dietary requirements and how to cater to them. This will show your passion for person-centred hospitality and your ability to deliver nutritious meals.
✨Show Off 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. Think about times when you trained staff or improved kitchen standards, as this will demonstrate your leadership capabilities.
✨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 and how you plan to do so at Runwood Homes. This will highlight your understanding of the financial aspects of running a kitchen.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that test your knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices, such as H.A.C.C.P. Be prepared to explain how you ensure compliance in the kitchen. This will show that you take health and safety seriously, which is crucial for the role.
