At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations across care homes, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Runwood Homes, a top provider of residential and nursing care.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, paid mileage, pension scheme, and discounts.
- Other info: Flexible role with opportunities for career progression and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a difference in residents' lives while developing your culinary career.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef and Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene required.
The predicted salary is between 17 - 17 £ per hour.
We are looking for an experienced Regional Head Chef to oversee kitchen operations across a cluster of homes in Essex.
The role requires a flexible schedule, travel between sites, and support for staff during absences.
- Hours per week: 40 (5 days)
- Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Liaise with the Hospitality management team to create regular chef's forums and training sessions to cover the needs of the homes you are supporting.
- Audit kitchen operations to ensure food quality, presentation, and service meet the catering policies and mealtime standards.
- Develop and maintain good working relationships with homes management and kitchen teams through regular personal contact.
- Ensure compliance with nutritional guidelines and individual care plans.
- Support on-site chefs across care homes.
- Step in to lead kitchen operations during staff shortages or absences.
- Ensure all kitchens meet food hygiene, health & safety, and HACCP standards.
- Conduct audits and implement corrective actions where needed.
- Train and develop kitchen staff.
- Promote a positive kitchen culture and high performance.
- Maintain food budgets where possible.
- Monitor waste and portion control.
- Gather feedback from residents and families to improve meal satisfaction.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene (minimum)
- Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel across the region.
- Proven experience as a Head Chef, ideally in a care or healthcare setting.
- Flexible and adaptable approach with strong organisational skills.
- Genuine interest in working within a caring environment.
- Effective communication at all levels.
- Team player.
- Willingness to participate in vocational training programmes.
- Satisfactory DBS result and good references.
- Experience in provision of catering services, food preparation and presentation.
- Field‑based role requiring travel within the region; access to a car and a driving licence is essential.
Benefits
- 28 days paid holiday
- Paid mileage
- Pension scheme
- Blue Light Card and access to various travel, restaurant, and leisure discounts
- Employee assistance scheme available to immediate family members
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing paid training
- Free DBS check and uniform
- Opportunities to progress your career within the company
- 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 programmes at all levels.
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Regional Head Chef in Hadleigh employer: Runwood Homes
Runwood Homes is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With comprehensive training programs, opportunities for career progression, and a range of benefits including 28 days paid holiday and a pension scheme, we ensure our Maintenance Operatives feel valued and empowered in their roles. Located across England, our care homes provide a fulfilling environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents while enjoying a rewarding career.
