Fixed Term Head Chef - Reading

Dine Contract Catering; 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. This role involves leading a talented kitchen team to create outstanding dishes using locally sourced ingredients while driving sustainability initiatives. You'll manage food safety and cleanliness standards, oversee budgeting, and inspire your team to deliver exceptional service. If you're passionate about hospitality and have a progressive mindset, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant kitchen environment.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Plan and direct food preparation to enhance quality reputation.
• Drive sustainability mission to be net zero by 2030.

Skills

Culinary Skills

Team Management

Food Safety

Budgeting

Communication

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 proudly working with local suppliers and communities. That's why our menus feature only locally sourced, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients with a target of reaching Climate Zero by 2030.

About the role

• Services include breakfast, lunch, hospitality, and coffee shop
• Plan, organise, innovate, and direct the preparation and cooking of food to ensure the company's reputation for quality is enhanced with customers and clients at all times.
• Drive our and our clients' sustainability mission to be net zero by 2030.
• Create a positive kitchen environment where your team feels welcomed, supported, and developed.
• Focus on service execution and delivery excellence at all times.
• Drive sales through menu planning and promotions.
• Responsible for implementing and maintaining high levels of cleanliness, food safety, HS, and COSHH within the kitchen.
• Maintain food monitoring procedures to facilitate budgetary control and monitor all costs involved in the kitchen against agreed budgets.
• Maintain the centre of excellence in food and customer service.

About You

• Previous experience in a similar role, ideally within a contract catering environment
• Ability to successfully motivate and manage a team to deliver consistent standards
• Excellent and innovative culinary and presentation skills
• Passionate about all things hospitality with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Leads and inspires a team with a progressive mindset in developing people
• A clear understanding of profit margins, purchasing policies, budgeting, and food costing
• Stock and waste control experience
• Understanding of food management systems, HACCP, Food Safety, Health and Safety, Natasha's Law, Allergens, and Manual Handling

Our secret ingredient - our people!

If you've got what it takes to join some of the food service industry's best and brightest, we want to hear from you. Chefs, customer assistants, support, and office roles: explore our live vacancies today.

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 environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive — because diversity is our strength!