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- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious menus and lead a passionate kitchen team.
- Company: Runwood Homes, a leading provider of residential care services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 28 days holiday, weekly pay, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through quality cooking and hospitality.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, leadership skills, and food hygiene certification required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with ongoing training and development.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Base pay range: £15.50 to £16 an hour
Hours per week: 35 (4 days per week) / Alternative weekends
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 in South Benfleet employer: Runwood Homes
Contact Detail:
Runwood Homes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in South Benfleet
✨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! Prepare for common interview questions related to being a Head Chef, like how you handle dietary requirements or manage kitchen staff. Role-play with a friend or family member to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Bring along a sample menu or dish ideas that reflect your culinary style and how you can meet the needs of the residents. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your passion for quality food.
✨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 shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in South Benfleet
Some tips for your application 🫡
Complete the Application Form: Make sure you fill out the online application form completely. We want to see all your skills and experiences, so don’t leave anything out!
Show Your Passion for Cooking: In your application, let us know why you love being a Head Chef. Share your enthusiasm for creating delicious meals and how you engage with residents in menu planning.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for someone who can inspire and motivate a team. Make sure to mention any previous experience leading a kitchen team and how you’ve trained others.
Check Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your Food Hygiene certificate and any relevant training. We want to ensure you meet all the necessary health and safety standards!
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 maintaining 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 kitchen budgets or adhered to health and safety regulations. This will highlight your practical experience and understanding of H.A.C.C.P.
