Head Chef: Lead Menu Strategy & Kitchen Team

Eurest; Reading; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; 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, delivering exceptional restaurant, hospitality and coffee bar offers. You’ll own day-to-day kitchen operations, drive a strong food strategy and develop a talented team in a fast-paced environment.

The role focuses on cost control, menu development and superior service across restaurant, events, and hospitality with a forward-thinking, sustainability-minded approach.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef within contract catering or hospitality.
• Strong commercial knowledge including food costs and purchasing.
• Experience leading kitchen teams and menus.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder presentation skills.
• Creative and sustainability-focused with current food trends.

Responsibilities

• Leading the day-to-day running of a high-quality contract catering operation.
• Overseeing kitchen operations, standards and service delivery.
• Leading the food offer across restaurant, hospitality and coffee bar.
• Overseeing hospitality and events, delivering exceptional food and service.
• Managing food costs, purchasing, stock, labour and financial performance.
• Leading menu engineering, pricing and commercial development.
• Creating innovative, seasonal menus across all service areas.
• Developing and delivering an ambitious food strategy with the client.
• Leading, motivating and developing the kitchen team.
• Setting high standards for food quality, presentation, hygiene and safety.
• Responding to customer trends while maintaining standards.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Commercial awareness

Team leadership

Menu engineering

Food safety knowledge

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, delivering exceptional restaurant, hospitality and coffee bar offers. You’ll own day-to-day kitchen operations, drive a strong food strategy and develop a talented team in a fast-paced environment.

The role focuses on cost control, menu development and superior service across restaurant, events, and hospitality with a forward-thinking, sustainability-minded approach.