Regional Head Chef

Runwood Homes; Hadleigh; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid mileage

Pension scheme

Blue Light Card and discounts

Job summary

Runwood Homes is seeking an experienced Regional Head Chef to lead kitchen operations across multiple care home sites within a region. The role requires travel between homes, supporting absences and new openings, and ensuring high-quality meals tailored to residents’ needs.

The successful candidate will bring proven Head Chef experience, strong organisational skills, and a genuine interest in caring environments, with a flexible, team-oriented approach and DBS clearance.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.
• 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.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Driving licence

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Team player

Willingness to participate in training

Care/healthcare environment exposure

Education

Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene

Job description

All candidates should make sure to read the following job description and information carefully before applying. When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Regional Head Chef

To cover a cluster of homes in Essex

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 55 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.

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.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive sufficient applications or successfully recruit a suitable candidate. Early application is therefore encouraged.