Head Chef: Lead Innovative Contract Catering & Events

Equipment Sales & Service Limited.; Reading; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group UK is seeking an ambitious Head Chef to lead the food operation at a high-end contract catering site in Reading. Take ownership of daily kitchen management, delivering an exceptional restaurant, hospitality and coffee bar offer while driving a strategic food program.

You will oversee menu engineering, cost control, and a skilled kitchen team, ensuring top service standards across restaurant, hospitality and events, with strong emphasis on sustainability and quality.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef within contract catering, hospitality or events.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Commercial acumen with food costing and menu engineering.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Commitment to food safety and hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day running of a high-quality contract catering operation.
• Own kitchen operations, processes, standards and service delivery.
• Oversee the food offer across restaurant, hospitality and coffee bar.
• Manage hospitality and events with exceptional food and service.
• Control food costs, purchasing, stock, labour and financial performance.
• Lead menu engineering, pricing and commercial development.
• Create innovative, seasonal, commercially focused menus.
• Collaborate with client and management to deliver a food strategy.
• Inspire and develop the kitchen team and set high standards for quality.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards.

Job description

Compass Group UK is seeking an ambitious Head Chef to lead the food operation at a high-end contract catering site in Reading. Take ownership of daily kitchen management, delivering an exceptional restaurant, hospitality and coffee bar offer while driving a strategic food program.

You will oversee menu engineering, cost control, and a skilled kitchen team, ensuring top service standards across restaurant, hospitality and events, with strong emphasis on sustainability and quality.