Cook

Runwood Homes Limited; Brentwood; On-site; GBP 22,000 - GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading residential care provider in Brentwood is seeking a Second Chef to join their Hospitality team. The role involves delivering hotel-quality meals while supporting the Head Chef and ensuring high standards in food preparation. The ideal candidate will have catering experience, familiarity with dietary needs, and a Food Hygiene Level 2 certification. This position offers opportunities for career progression and comprehensive training within a supportive environment.

Benefits

28 days Paid Holiday

Weekly Pay

Pension Scheme

Blue Light Card discounts

Comprehensive induction and ongoing training

Free DBS Check and uniform

Funding for NVQs

Opportunities for career progression

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Experience within a catering environment.
• Secure understanding of dietary and nutritional requirements.
• Must possess Food Hygiene Level 2.

Responsibilities

• Maintain high standards of food preparation.
• Cook and serve meals as per company requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety & Hygiene regulations.
• Monitor and maintain effective stock rotation.
• Deputise for the Head Chef when necessary.

Skills

Catering experience

Knowledge of dietary requirements

Food Hygiene Level 2

Education

NVQ Level 2 (preferred)

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.

Benefits of working with Runwood Homes:

• 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
• Free, on-site parking
• Employee of the Month awards

Key responsibilities:

• To ensure that all stages of food preparation are maintained to the highest standards ensuring the well-being of residents.
• To ensure 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 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.
• To deputise for the Head Chef where required.

About you:

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.

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.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of adults. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

You can apply for this role by completing our short application form or by visiting the home where one of our team can help you.

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