Cook - Heron Court - Brentwood

Runwood Homes; Brentwood; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Runwood Homes, a leading care provider in the UK, seeks a dedicated Second Chef to deliver high-quality meals in a nurturing environment. This role involves preparation and serving in accordance with dietary needs, ensuring food safety, and supporting Head Chef duties. A great opportunity for chefs passionate about quality hospitality and care.

Benefits

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Discount schemes available

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in a catering environment.
• Basic understanding of Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
• Genuine interest in working in a caring environment.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all stages of food preparation meet the highest standards.
• Prepare and serve meals following the menu and company requirements.
• Deputise for the Head Chef when required.

Skills

Team player

Good communication skills

Understanding of dietary requirements

Education

NVQ Level 2 or City & Guilds Equivalent

Job description

Second Chef

Runwood Homes is one of the UK’s largest residential elderly care providers, recently ranked in the top 20 care home groups in the UK. The Group operates 76 homes across England and Northern Ireland under three brands: Runwood Senior Living, Sanders Senior Living, and Kathryn Homes (Northern Ireland only).

Runwood Homes Group invests heavily in internal, external, and e-training programmes for our staff at every level. As we move forward, our reputation for providing innovative care for people living with dementia continues to grow.

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 opportunity to deliver hotel/restaurant standards without split shifts and long hours. We seek warm, motivated, and passionate chefs who are driven by quality and high standards, to deliver person-centred hospitality to our residents. At Runwood Homes, we foster an open, honest, and supportive environment where quality of care is at the core of everything we do.

Key responsibilities:

• Ensure all stages of food preparation meet the highest standards, safeguarding residents’ well-being.
• Prepare and serve meals in accordance with the menu and company requirements.
• Comply with Food Safety & Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 / Food Hygiene Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006.
• Maintain the quality of meals in presentation and taste.
• Implement portion control procedures to minimize waste.
• Meet individual dietary requirements (e.g., high calorie, low sugar) by following appropriate recipes and adapting dishes as needed.
• Maintain systems and checks to ensure a safe, healthy, and efficient working environment.
• Store all food and items correctly.
• Monitor stock levels, ensure effective stock rotation, and place orders when necessary.
• Deputise for the Head Chef when required.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Relevant experience in a catering environment.
• NVQ Level 2 or City & Guilds Equivalent.
• Team player with good communication skills.
• Understanding of special dietary and nutritional requirements and methods to meet them.
• Genuine interest in working within a caring environment.
• Satisfactory police check and checks against the ISA list (where applicable).
• Basic understanding of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme offering support and counselling.
• Discount schemes available through various programs.