Regional Head Chef: Multi-Site Care Kitchen Leader

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

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.