Catering Manager

Eurest UK; Reading; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading workplace catering company is seeking a visionary Catering Manager to lead their team in Reading. This role involves creating exceptional dining experiences, developing a high-performing kitchen team, and managing operations to exceed client expectations. Candidates should be skilled chefs with a strong background in contract catering, leadership, and food costing. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are passionate about delivering innovative food programs, we want to hear from you. The position is critical in shaping menus and inspiring creativity within the team.

Benefits

Real-time mentoring

Opportunities for qualifications

Innovative culinary pathways

Qualifications

• Experience as a Catering Manager or Head Chef in a commercial setting.
• Strong track record in contract catering and B&I.
• Passion for developing culinary talent and leading a kitchen team.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations and ensure high culinary standards.
• Develop talent within the kitchen team.
• Create exceptional dining experiences and innovative menus.

Skills

Culinary expertise

Food costing

Client relationship management

Leadership

Efficiency

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead your kitchen like a well‑seasoned pro, ensuring every plate tells a story of flavour, consistency, and character.
• Create a kitchen culture where high standards come naturally and pushing culinary boundaries is part of the daily rhythm.
• Stay sharp on food trends and forward‑thinking techniques - you know what's next before it hits the menu.
• Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders - you speak the language of food and business.
• Deliver excellence beyond the plate by hitting key targets in quality, safety, sustainability, and cost control.

What You'll Bring to the Table

• A seasoned Catering Manager or Head Chef ready to take the lead in a flavour‑driven environment.
• Previous contract catering and B&I experience.
• Energised by developing talent and creating a kitchen team that thrives on excellence, efficiency, and shared success.
• At true chef at heart, committed to delivering exceptional food experiences while upholding company standards and exceeding client expectations.
• Confident balancing flavour and finance. Skilled in food costing, supplier relationships, and smart kitchen economics.
• Calm, focused, and fast on your feet, you thrive in a busy service and never compromise on quality under pressure.

Hungry for more? We also offer exciting culinary pathways for team members who want to level up. With real‑time mentoring, hands‑on experience, and the chance to earn recognised qualifications, it's a delicious way to grow your skills while doing what you love.

We're on the hunt for a visionary Catering Manager who lives and breathes food, someone who's not just skilled in the kitchen but dedicated to creating exceptional dining experiences. This is more than just a cooking role; it's an opportunity to lead, inspire, and deliver unforgettable food programmes that push boundaries and excite every palate. If you're driven to constantly raise the bar and love developing a high‑performing kitchen team that thrive on creativity and excellence, we want to hear from you. From fueling early risers with breakfast to delivering unforgettable hospitality experiences, your role will be as varied as it is exciting. You'll shape menus, inspire a talented brigade of chefs, and bring next‑level flavour to everything from barista‑led coffee spots to corporate events. At Eurest, we are the experts in workplace catering, operating in over 700 workspaces every day. We know that fueling employees throughout the day can help to sharpen their thinking, nourish their bodies and minds and ultimately, motivate them to perform at their best. Our workplace food experiences are driven by our promise to live more sustainably and responsibly, working towards our goal of net zero by 2030.