Executive Chef Manager

Thomas Franks Ltd; Reading; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wider wallet scheme

Free meals on duty

Cycle to work scheme

Career progression

Employee assistance programme

Pension

Job summary

Thomas Franks Ltd seeks an Executive Chef Manager for Reading. The role requires previous Head Chef experience in fast-paced kitchens, preferably in contract catering or education. Salary is £60,000 per year; hours are 40 weekly. The position involves menu planning, supplier management, and maintaining high hygiene standards.

Join a leading independent contract caterer, with opportunities for development and career progression. Right to Work in the UK is required.

Qualifications

• Must have proven experience as head chef or equivalent in fast-paced kitchens.
• Experience in contract catering or education environments preferred.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food production and service to ensure high quality and presentation.
• Source locally and seasonally with approved suppliers for fresh menus.
• Plan nutritious menus aligned with client expectations and service schedules.
• Manage stock, restock during service, and ensure timely service delivery.

Skills

Teamwork

Initiative

Customer-service

Willingness to learn

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or equivalent

Level 3 Food Hygiene

Job description

Executive Chef Manager – Reading

Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £60,000 per annum
Hours: 40 per week

Head office: Hook Norton near Banbury. Parking available.

We are looking for an Executive Chef Manager to join our team in Reading. The role requires previous experience at Head Chef level in fast‑paced kitchens, ideally contract catering or independent education.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor food production and service to ensure the highest standards of presentation and quality, in line with Thomas Franks standards and client requirements.
• Ensure adherence to Thomas Franks Fresh Food standards, sourcing sustainably, locally and in‑season produce with approved suppliers.
• Plan menus for nutritional value, current food styles and customer expectations for daily service and events.
• Maintain prompt service, restock and replenish consumables during service periods, anticipate customer needs and maximise service delivery.
• Ensure all production, storage and service areas and equipment are maintained hygienically, demonstrating knowledge of food safety and health & safety legislation.
• Prepare food to exemplary hygiene standards and enforce these procedures with all staff.
• Notify Front of House of food shortages to pre‑empt delays in customer waiting.
• Assist in menu planning, rota scheduling and placing orders.
• Operate in compliance with current health & safety regulations.
• Attend meetings and training courses as required.

General Responsibilities

• Attend all staff meetings.
• Adhere to all legislation and company policies to promote a professional and flexible approach.
• Maintain the highest personal presentation at all times.
• Carry out food temperature checks in the service and associated areas.
• Execute reasonable requests of management.

Person Specification

• Team working, listening skills, initiative and personal presentation, hygiene and behaviour.
• Adaptable, flexible, reliable, honest and customer‑service oriented.
• Willingness to learn new skills and take responsibility.

Knowledge & Competencies

• Good verbal and written English and reading skills.
• Experience in a customer or food preparation environment.
• Recognised cooking qualification such as City & Guild 706/1 & 2 or equivalent.
• Level 3 food hygiene qualification.

Benefits

• Wider wallet scheme (discounts at major retailers, restaurants, gyms etc).
• Free meals on duty.
• Volunteers leave – up to one day per year.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoptive leave.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Recommend a friend bonus.
• Individual training and development.
• Apprenticeship programme.
• Team & company social events.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Workplace pension.
• Career progression within a leading independent contract caterer.

Disclaimer

All applicants must demonstrate their Right to Work in the UK. An enhanced DBS, identity and reference checks covering the last five years will form part of the selection process. Thomas Franks Ltd complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice and treats all applicants fairly.

Diversity and Inclusion

We actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds to foster inclusion and a better working life. All applicants are considered fairly.