At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals while ensuring top-notch food safety standards.
- Company: Join Runwood Homes, a leading provider of care services with a focus on quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, weekly pay, and discounts through the Blue Light Card.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and comprehensive training available.
- Why this job: Make a difference in residents' lives with your culinary skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and a Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate required.
The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.
Care Home: Dual Site, working at Evelyn May House (Langdon Hills) and Woodbury Court (Laindon). Hours per week: 44 (24hrs at Evelyn May House, 20hrs at Woodbury Court) - 5 days per week. Salary: £13.45 per hour.
About the role
We are recruiting a Second Chef to join our Hospitality team. The role involves delivering hotel and restaurant-standard meals without split shifts and long hours. The Second Chef supports the Head Chef, takes the lead in their absence, and provides person-centred hospitality to residents across both sites, which are located a short distance from each other.
Benefits of working with Runwood Homes:
- 28 days paid holiday
- Weekly pay
- Pension scheme
- Blue Light Card and access to various discounts on travel, restaurants, days out, and leisure
- Employee Assistance Scheme, 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:
- Ensure all stages of food preparation meet the highest standards, safeguarding residents’ well-being.
- Prepare and serve meals in accordance with the menu and company requirements.
- Comply with Food Safety & Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 / Food Hygiene Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006.
- Maintain meal quality in terms of presentation and taste.
- Enforce portion control procedures to minimise waste.
- Ensure individual dietary requirements are met, adapting dishes or using appropriate recipes where necessary.
- Maintain necessary systems and checks for a safe, healthy, and efficient working environment.
- Store all food and other items correctly.
- Monitor stock, maintain effective rotation, and place orders as required.
- Deputise for the Head Chef when required.
About you
Successful candidates will have relevant experience in a catering environment, a secure understanding of special dietary and nutritional requirements, and be able to implement methods to meet these needs. You should hold a Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate and ideally an NVQ Level 2.
About Runwood Homes
Established in 1987, Runwood Homes is a leading provider of residential, dementia, and nursing care services, with a portfolio of over 59 homes across the UK. We are committed to personalised care and professional development, investing in comprehensive training programmes at all levels to deliver innovative, high-quality care.
Cook - Dual Site in Chelmsford employer: Runwood Homes
Runwood Homes is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With comprehensive training programmes, opportunities for career advancement, and a range of benefits including weekly pay and a pension scheme, our dual-site Cook role at Evelyn May House and Woodbury Court provides a fulfilling environment where you can make a meaningful impact on residents' lives while enjoying a balanced work schedule.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook - Dual Site in Chelmsford
✨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 Homes. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Runwood Homes
Don't be shy about reaching out to Runwood 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 Cook - Dual Site in Chelmsford
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 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 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!
