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- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious menus and lead a passionate kitchen team.
- Company: Join Runwood Homes, a leading provider of personalised care services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, weekly pay, and discounts with Blue Light Card.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through quality dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, leadership skills, and food hygiene certification required.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and ongoing training available.
Head Chef
Are you the right candidate for this opportunity Make sure to read the full description below.
Care Home: St Michael’s Court
Hours per week: 40
Salary: £15 to £16 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 employer: Runwood Homes
Contact Detail:
Runwood Homes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head 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! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your experience aligns with the role of Head Chef, especially around menu planning and dietary needs. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion! During the interview, share your love for cooking and how you create nutritious, flavoursome meals. Talk about your previous experiences and how you’ve inspired your kitchen teams to deliver high standards.
✨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
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Head Chef and how your experience aligns with our needs.
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When writing your application, highlight your relevant experience in catering and any special dietary knowledge you have. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our menus!
Be Person-Centred: Remember, this role is all about our residents. Share examples of how you've involved others in your cooking or menu planning in the past. It’s all about creating a warm and inviting dining experience!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s quick and easy, and you'll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team at Runwood Homes!
How to prepare for a job interview at Runwood Homes
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with a variety of dishes that align with the role. Be ready to discuss how you would create nutritious and flavoursome menus, and think about how you can involve residents in the menu creation process.
✨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 achieving high standards. This will demonstrate your ability to lead by example.
✨Understand Dietary Requirements
Brush up on special dietary and nutritional needs, as this is crucial for the role. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure these requirements are met while still delivering delicious meals. This shows your commitment to person-centred hospitality.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about budget management and food safety practices. Think of specific instances where you’ve managed costs effectively or adhered to health and safety regulations. This will highlight your practical experience and understanding of H.A.C.C.P.
