Chef Role Maternity Cover

Holroyd Howe; Reading; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Holroyd Howe is recruiting a Kitchen role in Reading to support day-to-day operations under the Head Chef. You will help manage a busy kitchen, ensuring high standards of food quality and service for pupils and staff.

The role suits someone with Sous Chef or Chef de Partie experience in contract catering, preferably in independent education or a high-profile business setting. A flexible, proactive approach and strong teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience as Sous Chef or Chef de Partie in contract catering.
• Passion for fresh seasonal food and creative presentation.
• Strong attention to detail and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations.
• Motivate the team to deliver high standards of food and service.
• Ensure food safety and allergen controls are consistently met.
• Contribute to innovative menu planning.
• Manage mise en place and ensure smooth, timely service.
• Support events and functions alongside school life.

Skills

Sous Chef experience

Chef de Partie experience

Contract catering

Education sector experience

Job description

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations
• Motivate the team to deliver high standards of food and service
• Ensure food safety and allergen controls are consistently met
• Contribute to innovative menu planning
• Manage mise en place and ensure smooth, timely service
• Support events and functions alongside school life

Qualifications

Candidate Profile:

• Ideally, you will have experience as an Sous Chef, or Chef de Partie within a contract catering environment, preferably in independent education, or a high-profile business and industry setting.
• Passionate about fresh, seasonal food and creative presentation
• Strong attention to detail and high food safety standards
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• A flexible and proactive approach to work

Additional Information

We pride ourselves on:

People first
We're a company of individuals, united in doing our best for our clients.

Great food, always
Using only the best ingredients, our food is fresh, authentic and tailored to each school, age group, and specific needs and preferences.

Food education
We educate pupils through food, encouraging them to understand and develop their own personal tastes and make informed food choices.

Respect in everything we do
Our respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other.

Fresh thinking
New ideas for food, service and ways of working help us maintain our position as creative leaders in school catering.

In order to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK.

Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment. All roles within Holroyd Howe involve regulated activity. It is a criminal offence for individuals barred from working with children to apply for such roles. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Barred List check will be required for all successful applicants. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide information about relevant criminal offences and will be subject to an online search of publicly available information. This search helps identify any issues that may affect suitability to work with children.

This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.