Head Chef

Morepeople 01780; Reading; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading restaurant group in Reading is seeking a passionate Head Chef to launch a new establishment focusing on hearty carveries and classic dishes. In this role, you'll lead menu design and ensure high-quality food preparation while managing a dedicated kitchen team. This is a full-time position with sociable hours, ideal for chefs looking to enhance their work-life balance without late-night shifts.

Benefits

Creative input in menu design

Sociable working hours

Leadership role in a new restaurant

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or a Sous Chef.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Solid knowledge of food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and deliver high-quality food.
• Design and develop seasonal menus.
• Lead, train, and support the kitchen team.

Skills

Leadership

Passion for seasonal food

Kitchen management

Job description

Head Chef - Exciting New Restaurant Launch
Location: Reading- Harehatch
Hours: 40 hours per week (daytime-focused shifts, no late nights)
Salary: Dependent on experience £35,000+

Are you a passionate and experienced chef looking to take the lead in a brand-new kitchen?

Our client is opening a brand-new restaurant as part of their thriving garden centre group, and they're seeking a talented Head Chef to launch and lead the kitchen. With a menu built around hearty carveries and all the much-loved classic favourites, this is a fantastic opportunity to put your stamp on an exciting new venture.

The Opportunity

As Head Chef, you'll oversee the kitchen from the ground up - shaping menus, establishing standards, and building a strong team culture. From perfecting Sunday roasts and carveries to delivering comforting classics, you'll take pride in creating consistently high-quality dishes that keep customers coming back.

Why Join?

• Be part of something new - lead the opening of a brand-new restaurant.

• Sociable hours - no split shifts and no late-night finishes.

• Creative input - help design and deliver menus with a focus on carveries and timeless favourites.

• Leadership role - build, train, and inspire your own kitchen team.

• Stable, full-time position - 40 hours per week in a busy, customer-focused setting.

• Friendly, supportive culture - join a well-established group with a great reputation.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and deliver fresh, high-quality food with a focus on carveries and classic dishes.

• Design and develop seasonal menus alongside the F&B Manager.

• Lead, train, and support the kitchen team.

• Ensure strict compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.

• Manage costs, stock, and supplier relationships.

• Work closely with front-of-house teams to deliver smooth service and customer satisfaction.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or a Sous Chef

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire a team.

• A passion for fresh, hearty, and seasonal food - especially roasts and carveries.

• Solid knowledge of kitchen management and food safety standards.

If you're excited by the chance to launch and lead a brand-new restaurant, specialise in carveries and classic favourites, and enjoy a better work-life balance, we'd love to hear from you.

If this sounds like you, please apply below, immediate start is available, so don't wait! For a confidential chat, get in touch with Felicity on [e-mail] or 01780 480530.

Take the next step in your hospitality career - without sacrificing your evenings.