Chef

South Ockendon Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals and lead a passionate kitchen team.
  • Company: Runwood Homes, a leading provider of residential care with a focus on personalised hospitality.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 28 days paid holiday, weekly pay, and discounts through the Blue Light Card.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
  • Qualifications: Experience in catering, food hygiene certification, and strong leadership skills required.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career progression and comprehensive training provided.

Overview

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Role

Chef – Temporary

Care Home

Leatherland Lodge

Hours

36 hours per week

Salary

£15 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 NVQs
  • 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.

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.

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Chef employer: Runwood Homes Senior Living

Runwood Homes is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment for our Head Chefs at Leatherland Lodge. With a focus on employee growth through comprehensive training and career progression opportunities, we ensure our team members are well-equipped to deliver high-quality, person-centred hospitality. Enjoy benefits such as weekly pay, 28 days of paid holiday, and access to discounts, all while working in a role that allows you to create meaningful dining experiences for our residents.
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Contact Detail:

Runwood Homes Senior Living Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Chef

✨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 chefs, like how you handle dietary requirements or manage kitchen staff. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your creativity! Bring along a sample menu or dish ideas that reflect your culinary style and how you can meet the needs of the residents. This not only showcases your skills but also demonstrates your passion for creating nutritious and flavoursome meals.

✨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 that keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Chef

Menu Planning
Nutritional Knowledge
Food Hygiene Certification
H.A.C.C.P. Understanding
Leadership Skills
Team Training and Development
Budget Management
Stock Management
Communication Skills
Health and Safety Compliance
Catering Experience
Creativity in Menu Creation
Quality Control
Person-Centred Hospitality

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you to create delicious meals that cater to everyone's needs. We want to see your personality and passion for food!

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience in catering, menu planning, and team leadership. We’re looking for someone who fits right into our hospitality team, so make it clear why you’re the perfect match!

Be Clear About Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your Food Hygiene certificate and any other relevant qualifications. We need to know you’ve got the skills to keep our kitchen running smoothly and safely. Be upfront about your experience with dietary requirements too!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s quick and easy, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team at Runwood Homes. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!

How to prepare for a job interview at Runwood Homes Senior Living

✨Know Your Menu Inside Out

Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with various menu ideas that align with the role. Think about how you can incorporate nutritious and flavoursome options while considering dietary requirements. This will show your passion for creating meals that residents will love.

✨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. Discuss your approach to training staff and ensuring high standards, as this will demonstrate your capability to manage and develop a team effectively.

✨Understand Health and Safety Regulations

Brush up on your knowledge of H.A.C.C.P. and food hygiene standards. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in the kitchen. This will highlight your commitment to safety and quality, which is crucial in a care home environment.

✨Be Person-Centred in Your Approach

Since the role involves liaising with residents about their meal preferences, think about how you can make the dining experience personal. Prepare to share ideas on how you would engage with residents to create menus that cater to their tastes and dietary needs, showcasing your dedication to person-centred hospitality.

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