Cook

We are currently recruiting for a Second Chef to join our Hospitality team. Working as a Second Chef at Runwood Homes, you will have the chance to deliver hotel and restaurant standard meals, without the split shifts and long hours. We are looking for warm, motivated, and passionate Second Chefs who are driven by quality and high standards, to deliver person‑centred hospitality to our residents.

Our Second Chefs support our Head Chefs and take the lead in their absence. Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that all stages of food preparation are maintained to the highest standards ensuring the well‑being of residents.
• Cooking and serving meals in accordance with the menu and Company requirements.
• Ensuring compliance with the Food Safety & Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 / Food Hygiene Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006.
• Maintaining the quality of meals produced in terms of presentation and taste.
• Ensuring portion control procedures are maintained to minimise waste.
• Meeting individual dietary requirements by following appropriate quantity charts and recipes or adapting dishes if required.
• Maintaining necessary systems and checks to provide a safe, healthy, and efficient working environment.
• Storing all food and other items correctly.
• Monitoring stock, maintaining effective stock rotation, and placing orders where required.
• Deputising for the Head Chef where required.

The successful Second 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 Food Hygiene Level 2, and ideally an NVQ Level 2.

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.

Benefits:

• 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 NVQs
• Opportunities to progress your career within the company
• Free, on‑site parking
• Employee of the Month awards