Head Chef - Reading

Compass Group UK; Reading; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company as a Head Chef in Reading, where you'll craft innovative menus and lead a passionate kitchen team. Enjoy work-life balance with no weekend shifts while driving culinary excellence and sustainability.

Benefits

Free meals while on duty

Healthcare support

Pension and life assurance

Shopping and lifestyle discounts

Recognition schemes

Ongoing training and career progression

Diverse, inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Previous Head Chef experience in contract catering required.
• Strong culinary and presentation skills essential.
• Ability to mentor and inspire a team.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver seasonal menus that impress.
• Drive excellence in food quality and service.
• Lead food safety and hygiene practices.

Skills

Culinary skills

Leadership

Food presentation

Business acumen

Job description

Head Chef - Reading

Up to £42,000 DOE |

Monday - Friday 7am - 3.30pm

Ignite your culinary passion with fresh, seasonal ingredients in a role that offers creativity, leadership, and work-life balance.

Are you a flavour fanatic? A kitchen leader who lives and breathes innovation, sustainability, and culinary excellence? If you’re ready to take the lead in a premium contract catering kitchen with no weekend shifts, this could be your perfect next move.

We're on the hunt for a talented and enthusiastic Head Chef to join our dynamic team in Reading, where you'll take charge of crafting exceptional food using the finest ingredients for a prestigious site. This is your chance to run a professional kitchen with creative freedom, supported by a company that values quality, team development, and sustainability.

What You’ll Be Cooking Up

• Design and deliver seasonal, innovative menus that impress and inspire.
  
• Drive excellence in food quality and service execution.
  
• Champion sustainable sourcing and help lead the mission to net zero by 2030 .
  
• Build and lead a positive, supportive kitchen culture.
  
• Lead food safety, hygiene, and COSHH practices with precision.
  
• Monitor budgets and margins with a sharp eye for food costing, stock, and waste control.
  

We’re Looking For

• Previous Head Chef experience in contract catering with a flair for events and hospitality.
  
• Strong culinary and presentation skills - food that tastes amazing and looks stunning.
  
• Inspirational leadership - someone who can mentor and energise a team.
  
• Business-savvy mindset with a clear grasp of margins, purchasing, and compliance (HACCP, Natasha’s Law, allergens etc.).
  
• A genuine passion for food, hospitality, and exceeding expectations.
  

Perks & Benefits

• Fresh, free meals while on duty.
  
• Healthcare support including Medicash cashback plan, annual health checks & EAP.
  
• Pension, life assurance, and salary finance options.
  
• Shopping and lifestyle discounts via our Perks at Work platform.
  
• Recognition schemes - from Long Service Awards to peer-nominated prizes.
  
• Ongoing training and real career progression with Compass Group UK&I.
  
• A diverse, inclusive culture where you can truly be yourself and thrive.
  

This isn’t just another chef job — it’s a chance to make your mark at a flagship site, leading a passionate team and creating food that excites.

Apply now and bring your culinary creativity to life, with a role that lets you do what you love and enjoy life outside the kitchen.

Be bold. Be brilliant. Be the Head Chef that makes a difference.