Head Chef – Autonomy & Quality, Resident-Centered Menus

Runwood Homes; Linby CP; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; 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 seeking a proactive Head Chef to lead the in-house kitchen team across our care home hospitality offering. You will create nutritious menus, manage budgets, and ensure meals meet residents' dietary needs while maintaining high standards and safe, hygienic practices.

You will drive quality, mentor staff, and collaborate with care teams to tailor menus that delight residents and align with company standards and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience leading kitchen teams in a catering environment.
• Ability to plan menus with costing and margins.
• Strong understanding of dietary requirements and resident engagement.

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 residents' satisfaction.
• Lead by example, setting pace and standards.
• Meet monthly with management to ensure dietary requirements 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 stored correctly.

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Budget control

People management

Communication

Education

Intermediate/Advanced Food Hygiene certificate

HACCP knowledge

Job description

Runwood Homes is seeking a proactive Head Chef to lead the in-house kitchen team across our care home hospitality offering. You will create nutritious menus, manage budgets, and ensure meals meet residents' dietary needs while maintaining high standards and safe, hygienic practices.

You will drive quality, mentor staff, and collaborate with care teams to tailor menus that delight residents and align with company standards and regulatory requirements.