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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 paid holiday, pension scheme, and discounts on travel and leisure.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through quality food and hospitality.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, leadership skills, and knowledge of dietary needs required.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and comprehensive training available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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
- 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.
Head Chef - Alexandra House - Harlow employer: Runwood Homes
Contact Detail:
Runwood Homes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Alexandra House - Harlow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who might know about openings at Runwood Homes. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring a sample of your signature dish to an interview or networking event. It’s a tasty way to demonstrate your passion and expertise as a Head Chef.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your menu ideas! When you apply through our website, think about how you can create nutritious and flavoursome meals that cater to residents' needs. This shows you’re not just a chef, but a team player who values person-centred hospitality.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in the minds of the hiring team at Runwood Homes.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Alexandra House - Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and hospitality shine through. We want to see how motivated you are to create delicious meals and provide top-notch service to our residents.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in catering and any leadership roles you've had. We love seeing how you've inspired teams and met dietary needs, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure to outline your skills and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting Head Chef role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Runwood Homes
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with various menu ideas that align with the role. Think about how you can create nutritious and flavoursome dishes that cater to special dietary needs. This will show your passion for quality and your understanding of the residents' preferences.
✨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 food hygiene and H.A.C.C.P. regulations. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in the kitchen and how you train your team to adhere to these standards. This will highlight your commitment to safety and quality in food preparation.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about their current menu, team dynamics, or how they involve residents in menu planning. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.