Head Chef

Compass; Lincoln; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider in Lincoln is seeking a Head Chef to lead a dynamic kitchen team during weekdays. This role emphasizes creativity and excellence in crafting exceptional dining experiences. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership skills, a strong understanding of food costing, and the ability to maintain high standards of quality while managing a busy kitchen environment. The position offers opportunities for career development and mentorship within a supportive and diverse workplace.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Mentoring and hands-on experience

Recognition and qualification earning

Qualifications

• Experienced Head Chef with a passion for food and exceptional culinary skills.
• Proven track record of leading high-performing kitchen teams.
• Strong ability to balance quality with cost management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a kitchen team to deliver exceptional dining experiences.
• Maintain high culinary standards while innovating food offerings.
• Develop strong relationships with clients and manage food service operations.

Skills

Leadership

Food costing

Supplier relationships

Quality control

Culinary creativity

Job description

Head Chef - Weekdays Only!

Location: Sleaford

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday

Salary: Up to £33,200 per annum, depending on experience

For more information about careers at Dine Contract Catering and our benefits please visit: Careers at Dine Contract Catering

Are you ready to take the lead in a dynamic culinary environment where creativity, excellence, and innovation are always on the menu?

We're on the hunt for a visionary Head Chef who lives and breathes food, someone who’s not just skilled in the kitchen but dedicated to creating exceptional dining experiences. This is more than just a cooking role; it’s an opportunity to lead, inspire, and deliver unforgettable food programmes that push boundaries and excite every palate. If you're driven to constantly raise the bar and love developing a high-performing kitchen team that thrive on creativity and excellence, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead your kitchen like a well-seasoned pro, ensuring every plate tells a story of flavour, consistency, and character.
• Create a kitchen culture where high standards come naturally and pushing culinary boundaries is part of the daily rhythm.
• Stay sharp on food trends and forward-thinking techniques, you know what’s next before it hits the menu.
• Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, you speak the language of food and business.
• Deliver excellence beyond the plate by hitting key targets in quality, safety, sustainability, and cost control.

What you’ll bring to the table

• A seasoned Head Chef ready to take the lead in a fast-paced, flavour-driven environment with multiple dining touchpoints.
• Energised by developing talent and creating a kitchen team that thrives on excellence, efficiency, and shared success.
• At true chef at heart, committed to delivering exceptional food experiences while upholding company standards and exceeding client expectations.
• Confident balancing flavour and finance. Skilled in food costing, supplier relationships, and smart kitchen economics.
• Calm, focused, and fast on your feet, you thrive in a busy service and never compromise on quality under pressure.

Hungry for more?

We also offer exciting culinary pathways for team members who want to level up. With real-time mentoring, hands-on experience, and the chance to earn recognised qualifications, it’s a delicious way to grow your skills while doing what you love.

Personality behind every plate

Dine provides tailored food services to 140 clients in the business and industry sector. With over two decades of industry experience, we pride ourselves on offering a personalised approach to our clients, whilst delivering outstanding service. Our passion lies in creating great-tasting menus, promoting sustainability, and proudly working with local suppliers and communities. That's why our menus feature only locally sourced, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients with a target of reaching Climate Zero by 2030.

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!