Fixed Term Head Chef - Reading

Compass Group; Reading; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Head Chef, where your culinary expertise will shine in a vibrant kitchen environment. This role involves leading a dedicated team to deliver exceptional food services while promoting sustainability through locally sourced ingredients. You will be responsible for maintaining high standards of food safety and cleanliness, driving sales through innovative menu planning, and fostering a positive atmosphere for your team. If you are passionate about hospitality and have a progressive mindset, this is the perfect opportunity to make a significant impact on the culinary scene.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role, ideally in contract catering.
• Ability to motivate and manage a team to deliver consistent standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organise, and direct food preparation and cooking.
• Drive sustainability mission to be net zero by 2030.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and food safety.

Skills

Culinary Skills

Team Management

Food Safety Knowledge

Budget Control

Communication Skills

Stock Control

Tools

HACCP

Food Management Systems

Job description

Head Chef - Reading

Fixed Term contract for 6 months.

Up to £35,000 per annum (pro-rata) depending on experience.

Monday to Friday role!

We are looking for a talented, enthusiastic Head Chef for our dedicated Dine Contract Catering team, producing outstanding food using the finest and freshest ingredients in this prestigious contract.

Personality behind every plate

Dine provides tailored food services to 140 clients in the business and industry sector. With over two decades of industry experience, we pride ourselves on offering a personalised approach to our clients, whilst delivering outstanding service. Our passion lies in creating great-tasting menus, promoting sustainability, and working with local suppliers and communities. Our menus feature only locally sourced, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients, aiming to reach Climate Zero by 2030.

About the role

1. Services include breakfast, lunch, hospitality, and coffee shop
2. Plan, organise, innovate, and direct the preparation and cooking of food to ensure the company's reputation for quality is maintained with customers and clients.
3. Drive our and our clients' sustainability mission to be net zero by 2030.
4. Create a positive kitchen environment where your team feels welcomed, supported, and developed.
5. Focus on service execution and delivery excellence at all times.
6. Drive sales through menu planning and promotions.
7. Implement and maintain high standards of cleanliness, food safety, HS, and COSHH within the kitchen.
8. Monitor food procedures to facilitate budget control and oversee all kitchen costs against budgets.
9. Maintain a centre of excellence in food and customer service.

About You

1. Previous experience in a similar role, ideally within a contract catering environment.
2. Ability to motivate and manage a team to deliver consistent standards.
3. Excellent and innovative culinary and presentation skills.
4. Passionate about hospitality with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Lead and inspire a team with a progressive mindset in developing people.
6. Understanding of profit margins, purchasing policies, budgeting, and food costing.
7. Experience with stock and waste control.
8. Knowledge of food management systems, HACCP, Food Safety, Health and Safety, Natasha's Law, Allergens, and Manual Handling.

Our secret ingredient - our people!

If you have what it takes to join some of the food service industry's best, we want to hear from you. Explore our live vacancies today, including roles for chefs, customer assistants, support, and office staff.

For more information about careers at Dine Contract Catering and our benefits, please visit: Careers at Dine Contract Catering

Job Reference: com/2204/99838001/52734390/SU #DINE

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves and has equal opportunities to advance. We celebrate the diverse talents, backgrounds, and abilities of our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered, and to thrive — because diversity is our strength!