Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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, and discounts on travel and leisure.
- 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: Opportunities for career progression and comprehensive training available.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ 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
- 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.
Head Chef - Elizabeth House - Hadleigh in Ipswich employer: Runwood Homes
Contact Detail:
Runwood Homes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Elizabeth House - Hadleigh in Ipswich
✨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! Think about how you can create nutritious and flavoursome meals that cater to dietary needs. This shows you’re not just about cooking but also about understanding the residents’ preferences.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Runwood Homes team and contributing to their mission of delivering person-centred hospitality.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Elizabeth House - Hadleigh in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When 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 showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've inspired and motivated others in the kitchen to achieve high standards.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don't just list your previous jobs; dive into the details! Mention specific dietary requirements you've catered to, menu planning you've done, and how you've managed budgets effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We want to hear from you! Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly.
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 and dietary requirements. Be ready to discuss how you would create balanced menus that cater to different tastes and nutritional needs. This shows your passion for food and your understanding of the residents' needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to inspire your team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Talk about how you motivate staff, manage conflicts, and ensure everyone is trained to meet high standards.
✨Understand Health and Safety Regulations
Brush up on your knowledge of H.A.C.C.P. and food hygiene standards. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in the kitchen and train your staff accordingly. This will demonstrate your commitment to safety and quality.
✨Be Person-Centred in Your Approach
Since the role involves liaising with residents, think about how you can involve them in menu planning. Share ideas on how you would gather feedback and adapt meals to suit their preferences, showing that you value their input and care about their dining experience.
