Overview
Salary: £42,000 per annum
Shift hours: Full Time
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
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Design and deliver seasonal, innovative menus that impress and inspire.
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Drive excellence in food quality and service execution.
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Champion sustainable sourcing and help lead the mission to net zero by 2030.
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Build and lead a positive, supportive kitchen culture.
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Lead food safety, hygiene, and COSHH practices with precision.
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Monitor budgets and margins with a sharp eye for food costing, stock, and waste control.
We’re Looking For
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Previous Head Chef experience in contract catering with a flair for events and hospitality.
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Strong culinary and presentation skills – food that tastes amazing and looks stunning.
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Inspirational leadership – someone who can mentor and energise a team.
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Business-savvy mindset with a clear grasp of margins, purchasing, and compliance (HACCP, Natasha’s Law, allergens etc.).
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A genuine passion for food, hospitality, and exceeding expectations.
Perks & Benefits
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Fresh, free meals while on duty.
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Healthcare support including Medicash cashback plan, annual health checks & EAP.
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Pension, life assurance, and salary finance options.
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Shopping and lifestyle discounts via our Perks at Work platform.
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Recognition schemes – from Long Service Awards to peer-nominated prizes.
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Ongoing training and real career progression with Compass Group UK&I.
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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.
Reference: compass/TP/1760281/196847
Location: Reading
