Cook

Runwood Homes; Ware; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days Paid Holiday

Weekly Pay

Pension Scheme

Blue Light Card and discounts

Employee Assistance Scheme

Job summary

Runwood Homes is recruiting a Second Chef to join the Hospitality team. You will prepare hotel and restaurant-standard meals for residents, supporting the Head Chef and stepping in during absences.

The role emphasizes quality, resident well-being, and adherence to hygiene standards within a residential care setting. Candidates should have catering experience, awareness of dietary needs, and relevant Food Hygiene Level 2 (NVQ Level 2 preferred).

Qualifications

• The candidate has relevant catering experience in a care/hospitality setting.
• Knowledge of special dietary and nutritional requirements.
• Food hygiene practices and safe kitchen handling.

Responsibilities

• Maintain high standards of food preparation and presentation.
• Cook and serve meals per menu and company requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations.
• Control portions and minimise waste.
• Meet dietary requirements and adapt dishes as needed.
• Maintain safe, healthy, and efficient kitchen environment.
• Store food and items correctly.
• Monitor stock and rotate stock; place orders when required.
• Support Head Chef in absence; assist with kitchen leadership.

Skills

Catering experience

Food Hygiene Level 2

NVQ Level 2

Education

NVQ Level 2

Food Hygiene Level 2

Job description

Second Chef

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., To ensure that all stages of food preparation are maintained to the highest standards ensuring the well‑being of residents.

• To ensure that all stages of food preparation are maintained to the highest standards ensuring the well‑being of residents.
• To ensure the cooking and serving of meals are in accordance with the menu, the Company requirements.
• To ensure compliance with the Food Safety & Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 / Food Hygiene Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006
• To ensure the quality of meals produced in terms of presentation and taste.
• To ensure that portion control procedures are maintained ensuring waste is kept to a minimum.
• Ensure individual dietary requirements are met (e.g. high calorie, low sugar etc.) by following appropriate quantity, charts and recipes or adapting dishes if required.
• To ensure that the necessary systems and checks are maintained in order to provide a safe, healthy and efficient working environment.
• To ensure all food and other items are stored correctly.
• To monitor stock, maintain effective stock rotation and place orders 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 57 homes across England. 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.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of adults. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

• 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
• Employee of the Month awards