Head Chef - The Oratory School

Chartwells; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Chartwells, a key player in catering services to independent schools, seeks a Head Chef to elevate food quality and service. This role involves supervising food preparation, driving sales through innovative menu planning, and ensuring food safety standards. A commitment to culinary excellence and teamwork is essential for this position within a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Free meals on duty

Free on-site gym

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Exclusive travel discounts

Qualifications

• Passionate about food, with excellent culinary and presentation skills.
• Energetic team player with strong communication abilities.
• Understanding of budgeting and food costing.

Responsibilities

• Lead food preparation and maintain high standards of quality.
• Drive sales through menu planning and promotions.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.

Skills

Culinary skills

Presentation skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Job description

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to:

• Free meals on duty
• Free on-site gym
• Free on-site pool
• On-site free car parking
• Contributory pension scheme
• Career development programs such as Career Pathways and MyLearning
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com, and others
• Discounts on groceries at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets
• Cash rewards on spending, redeemable across various brands
• Free wellness, mindfulness, and exercise classes
• Share discounts and offers with friends and family

Working 5 out of 7 days.

Fantastic Opportunity at a Prestigious Independent School

Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is a leading provider of catering and support services to independent schools in the UK. You will support high-quality education by providing outstanding food and service to pupils and staff, preparing fresh, healthy, and enjoyable meals daily.

What you'll be doing:

We are seeking a motivated and ambitious Head Chef passionate about food to join our team. You will lead food preparation using the finest ingredients, ensuring quality and customer satisfaction, and drive sales through menu planning and promotions.

More about the role:

• Plan, organize, and oversee food preparation and cooking, maintaining high standards
• Take responsibility for food production with a hands-on approach
• Drive sales via menu planning, promotions, and supplier relations
• Ensure food safety, HS, and COSHH compliance
• Implement and monitor food safety procedures, manage costs, and control budgets

Who you are:

• Excellent culinary and presentation skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Energetic and passionate about food
• Calm, inspirational staff management skills
• Forward-thinking with waste prevention strategies
• Team player with excellent organizational skills
• Numerate, computer literate, with financial understanding
• Knowledge of profit margins, purchasing, budgeting, and food costing

About Us

As part of Compass, you'll help feed people, fuel progress, and forge connections across 6,000 venues. Join us for a rewarding career with competitive pay, great perks, and extensive development opportunities at one of the UK's largest businesses.

Job Reference: com/1407/40518001/52750020/SU #Independent

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