Head Chef

Holroyd Howe; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a creative and inspirational Head Chef to lead culinary programs at a prestigious independent school in Reading. This role is perfect for someone passionate about delivering exceptional dining experiences while managing a talented kitchen team. The Head Chef will be responsible for crafting diverse menus, ensuring food quality, and maintaining health standards. This opportunity not only allows for culinary innovation but also offers a chance to shape the dining experience for over 800 pupils and staff. If you're ready to make a significant impact in education catering, this is the role for you.

Benefits

Bespoke training and development opportunities

Pension and life insurance

Discounts on Perkbox app

Access to employee assistance programme

Free meals while on shift

HIT Apprenticeships available

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a high-volume environment.
• Strong coaching and delegation skills.

Responsibilities

• Crafting imaginative, nutritionally balanced menus.
• Leading a dynamic kitchen team and overseeing daily operations.

Skills

Team Management

Menu Development

Budget Management

Health and Safety Standards

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Creativity

Education

Culinary Arts Certification

Health and Safety Certification

Job description

Bespoke training and development opportunities

Pension and life insurance

Discounts available on our Perkbox app (high street shops, holidays & cinema)

Access to employee assistance programme

Free meals while on shift

HIT Apprenticeships available for all experience levels

Job Opportunity: Head Chef

Are you a seasoned, inspirational, and creative Head Chef with a passion for creating exceptional dining experiences? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for a passionate Head Chef to lead our culinary program at a prestigious independent school.

Located in Reading, Berkshire, this school caters for 800 pupils and staff, offering breakfast, lunch, and extensive hospitality services, operating 5 days a week.

This role offers a fantastic opportunity for a skilled Head Chef to establish a reputation in the food service industry and set new standards in education catering.

Job Description

Your focus as a Head Chef is to work closely with your team to develop strong working relationships and deliver excellent customer service.

Key responsibilities include:

• Crafting imaginative, nutritionally balanced menus catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.
• Leading a dynamic kitchen team, fostering creativity, collaboration, and efficiency.
• Overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food quality and service.
• Maintaining strict health and safety standards, ensuring a clean and organized environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef in a high-volume, quality-focused environment.
• Experience in managing, training, and supporting a team.
• Financial acumen, with the ability to create and manage budgets and improve commercial performance.
• Strong coaching, delegation, and influencing skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced, creative environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Adaptability and a solution-oriented approach to challenges.
• Strategic thinking and critical reasoning skills.

Additional Information

Holroyd Howe is a leading UK contract caterer for independent schools and colleges, dedicated to tailoring our services to meet the needs of children of all ages. We invest heavily in training and development, creating engaging dining experiences through tasting tables, theme days, chef demonstrations, and more.

Our commitments include:

Sustainability: We prioritize ethical sourcing and nutritious, freshly prepared meals.

Our team of passionate chefs is attracted by our focus on culinary excellence and menu innovation.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to safeguarding children. All roles are regulated activities requiring an Enhanced DBS check. Successful applicants will need to provide references and may undergo an online suitability check.

This position is contingent upon satisfactory references.