Regional Head Chef

Runwood Homes; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care home provider in the UK seeks an experienced Regional Head Chef to support kitchen operations across multiple homes in Essex and Hertfordshire. The role involves ensuring high food quality, compliance with safety standards, and leading kitchen teams during staffing shortages. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in a similar setting and possess strong organizational and communication skills. Benefits include 28 days paid holiday, paid mileage, and opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

28 days Paid Holiday

Paid Mileage

Pension Scheme

Employee Discounts

Free DBS Check

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a care or healthcare setting.
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel across the region.
• Genuine interest in working within a caring environment.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with Hospitality management to create training sessions.
• Audit kitchen operations to ensure food quality.
• Train and develop kitchen staff.

Skills

Team player

Organizational skills

Effective communication

Flexibility

Education

Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene

Job description

Regional Head Chef

To cover a cluster of homes in Essex & Hertfordshire

Hours per week: 40 Hours (5 days)

Salary: £17 an hour

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Regional Head Chef to join our Hospitality team. You will work alongside our Regional Support Chef & Group Hospitality Manager to support kitchen operations across multiple care home sites within a region/ cluster, ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and resident satisfaction. This is a flexible role requiring travel between homes. You'll step in to support homes during absences & assist with new openings ensuring consistent delivery of tasty, well-balanced meals tailored to residents’ needs.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Liaise with the Hospitality management team to create regular chef's forums and training sessions to cover the needs of the homes you are supporting.
• When required audit the kitchen operations to ensure that the food quality, presentation, and service are provided to the appropriate standards as defined by the catering policies and mealtime standards.
• To develop and maintain good working relationships with the homes management and kitchen teams through regular personal contact.
• Ensure compliance with nutritional guidelines and individual care plans.
• Support on‑site chefs across care homes.
• Step in to lead kitchen operations during staff shortages or absences.
• Ensure all kitchens meet food hygiene, health & safety, and HACCP standards.
• Conduct, when required, audits and implement corrective actions where needed.
• Train and develop kitchen staff.
• Promote a positive kitchen culture and high performance.
• Maintain food budgets, where possible.
• Monitor waste and portion control.
• Gather feedback from residents and families to improve meal satisfaction.

Benefits of working with Runwood Homes

• 28 days Paid Holiday
• Paid Mileage
• 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, paid training
• Free DBS Check and uniform
• Opportunities to progress your career within the company

The successful candidate will have

• Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene (minimum)
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel across region
• Proven experience as a Head Chef, ideally in a care or healthcare setting
• A flexible and adaptable approach with strong organisational skills
• Genuine interest in working within a caring environment
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels
• Team player
• Willingness to participate in vocational training programmes
• Satisfactory DBS result and good references
• Experience of the provision of catering services, food preparation and presentation

This is a field based role and will require the successful candidate to travel within the region. Access to a car and a driving license is essential.

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.