Head Chef

Contract Options; Slough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leave: 20 days + BH

Free on-site parking

Transit access

Career development

Supportive management

Job summary

Contract Options in Slough is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead a high-volume contract catering operation, Monday to Friday, with breakfast and lunch service and a busy deli bar.

You will manage a kitchen team of 5-6, control food costs, maintain menu standards, and work with General Manager to deliver the catering strategy while maintaining high quality and hygiene.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a busy kitchen and leading a kitchen brigade.
• Strong commercial awareness: food costs, GP, stock control.
• Experience in high-volume contract catering.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of 5-6 chefs, overseeing daily kitchen operations.
• Deliver fresh breakfast and lunch service in a high-volume staff dining environment.
• Manage ordering, stock control, food costs, GP targets and kitchen admin.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, safety and hygiene.
• Train and develop kitchen staff and align with catering strategy.

Job description

Head Chef - Monday to Friday

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Head Chef to join a well-established contract catering operation in Slough, with easy access by public transport.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded Head Chef who enjoys working in a high-volume environment and takes pride in producing fresh, quality food from scratch.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, catering for breakfast and lunch service alongside a busy deli bar and coffee shop. You will work to an established company menu specification while maintaining consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service.

What's on Offer for the Head Chef

• £40,000-£42,000 per annum (around £20 per hour)
• Monday to Friday - no weekend working
• 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Free on-site parking and easy access by public transport
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Supportive management structure

The Role as a Head Chef

• Lead and develop a team of 5-6 chefs, overseeing the daily kitchen operation
• Deliver fresh, high-quality breakfast and lunch service in a high-volume staff dining environment
• Manage ordering, stock control, food costs, GP targets and kitchen administration
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, food safety, hygiene and health & safety
• Manage labour effectively and ensure the kitchen operates efficiently
• Train, motivate and develop the kitchen team while working closely with the General Manager to deliver the catering strategy

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an experienced Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up, with a background in high-volume contract catering or a similarly busy operation.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience managing a busy kitchen and leading a kitchen brigade
• Strong commercial awareness, including food costs, GP, stock control and profitability
• A genuine passion for fresh food and cooking from scratch
• Experience working to menu specifications and maintaining consistency
• Strong organisational, communication and food safety skills
• A hands-on, supportive management style with the ability to work under pressure

This is a great opportunity for an ambitious Head Chef looking for regular Monday-to-Friday hours, a better work-life balance and genuine progression within an established catering business.