Second Chef

Runwood Homes; Heybridge; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days Paid Holiday

Weekly Pay

Pension Scheme

Blue Light Card discounts

Employee Assistance Scheme

Job summary

Runwood Homes is seeking a Second Chef to join our Hospitality team, supporting the Head Chef and delivering hotel and restaurant standard meals for residents. You will lead in the Head Chef's absence and ensure meal preparation meets high standards while maintaining person-centred hospitality. This role stresses quality, dietary accuracy, and safety in a caring environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in a catering environment within care or hospitality.
• Knowledge of special dietary and nutritional requirements for residents.
• Food Hygiene Level 2 certification is required, NVQ Level 2 preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure cooking and serving of meals align with the menu and company standards.
• Comply with Food Safety & Hygiene regulations applicable in England/Northern Ireland.
• Maintain quality of meals in terms of presentation and taste.
• Adhere to portion control procedures to minimise waste.
• Meet individual dietary requirements by following charts/recipes or adapting dishes.
• Maintain safe, healthy and efficient working environment with proper checks.
• Store all food and other items correctly.
• Monitor stock, rotate stock effectively and place orders as required.

Skills

Catering experience

Dietary requirements knowledge

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2

NVQ Level 2

Job description

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 chance to deliver hotel and restaurant standard meals, without the split shifts and long hours. We are looking for warm, motivated, and passionate Second Chefs who are driven by quality and high standards, to deliver person centred hospitality to our residents. Our Second Chefs support our Head Chefs, and take the lead in their absence., To ensure that all stages of food preparation are maintained to the highest standards ensuring the well-being of residents.

Responsibilities

• To ensure that the cooking and serving of meals are in accordance with the menu, the Company requirements.
• To ensure compliance with the Food Safety & Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 / Food Hygiene Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006
• To ensure the quality of meals produced in terms of presentation and taste.
• To ensure that portion control procedures are maintained ensuring waste is kept to a minimum.
• Ensure individual dietary requirements are met (e.g. high calorie, low sugar etc.) by following appropriate quantity, charts and recipes or adapting dishes if required.
• To ensure that the necessary systems and checks are maintained in order to provide a safe, healthy and efficient working environment.
• To ensure all food and other items are stored correctly.
• To monitor stock, maintain effective stock rotation and place orders where required.

The successful Second Chef will have relevant experience within a catering environment. You will have a secure understanding of special dietary and nutritional requirements, and be able to implement methods to ensure these needs are met. You will also have your Food Hygiene Level 2, and ideally an NVQ Level 2.

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.

Benefits

• 28 days Paid Holiday
• Weekly Pay
• 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 training
• Free DBS Check and uniform
• Funding and support towards obtaining NVQs
• Opportunities to progress your career within the company
• Employee of the Month awards