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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a creative kitchen team, crafting delicious dishes with fresh ingredients.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, a leader in catering and hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like gym access, meal provisions, and a comprehensive health plan.
- Why this job: Embrace a role that balances work-life harmony with career growth in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract catering, strong culinary skills, and team leadership are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a sustainability mission aiming for net zero by 2030.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Job Introduction
Head Chef – Reading
Up to £35,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Monday to Friday role!
We are looking for a talented, enthusiastic Head Chef for our dedicated catering teamin Reading, producing outstanding food using the finest and freshest ingredients in this prestigious contract.
We connect workplaces to mindful, flavourful & planet-positive catering
At Eurest, we are the experts in workplace catering, operating in over 700workspaces every day. We know that fuelling employees throughout the day can help to sharpen their thinking, nourish their bodies and minds and ultimately, motivate them to perform at their best. Our workplace food experiences are driven by our promise to live more sustainably and responsibly, working towards our goal of net zero by 2030.
If you are an innovative and creative Chef, passionate about using top quality fresh ingredients, and looking for a role which can offer both work life balance and career development – we want to hear from you!
About the role
- Services: Breakfast, Lunch Coffee Shop, Retail and Hospitality
- In a team of 8 with 3 direct report with up to 300 customers on site
- Plan, organise, innovate and direct the preparation and cooking of food to ensure the company\’s reputation for quality is enhanced with customers and clients at all times.
- Drive ours and our clients sustainability mission to be net zero by 2030.
- Create a positive kitchen environment where your team feel welcomed, supported and developed.
- Focus on service execution and delivery excellence at all times.
- Drive sales through menu planning and promotions.
- Responsible for implementing and maintaining high levels of cleanliness, food safety, HS and COSHH within the kitchen.
- Maintain food monitoring procedures to facilitate budgetary control and monitor all costs involved in the kitchen against agreed budgets.
- Maintain the centre of excellence in food and customer service.
About You
- Previous experience in a similar role in contract catering with hospitality and events
- Ability to successfully motivate an manage a team to deliver consistent standards
- Excellent and innovative culinary and presentation skills
- Passionate about all things hospitality with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Leads and inspires a team with a progressive mindset in developing people
- A clear understanding of profit margins, purchasing policy, budgeting and food costing.
- Stock and Waste control experience
- Understanding of food management systems HACCP, Food Safety, Health and Safety, Natasha\’s Law, Allergens and Manual Handling.
About us
We ensure you\’re rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Meal provided while on duty
- Financial wellbeing programme and preferred rates on salary finance products
- Aviva Digi care – Free annual healthcare check
- Medicash – Discounted health cash plan providing cash back on a range of medical treatments including Dental, Optical and Consultant appointments for you and your family.
- Pension scheme and Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Recognition awards including Be a Star peer recognition and Long Service Awards
- Exclusive Benefits & Wellbeing site (Perks at Work)
- Shopping discounts – Save up to 15% at high street and online stores by purchasing Shopping Cards
- On-going training & development and career pathways
We\’re people-powered at Eurest
It\’s an understatement to say that we\’re passionate about what we do, which is why we\’re committed to attracting the best and brightest people to join us – could that be you? Find out what makes joining Eurest so exciting
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!
Head Chef - Reading employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Showcase your creativity! As a Head Chef, it's essential to demonstrate your innovative culinary skills. Think about unique dishes or menu ideas you can bring to the table that align with our commitment to quality and sustainability.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership experience. We want to see how you've successfully motivated and managed a kitchen team in the past. Share specific examples of how you've created a positive work environment and developed your team members.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarize yourself with our sustainability mission. Understanding our goal to be net zero by 2030 will show your alignment with our values. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to this mission through your culinary practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your knowledge of food safety and management systems. We value high standards in cleanliness and safety, so be ready to share your experience with HACCP, food monitoring procedures, and budget control.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Culinary Skills: Make sure to emphasize your innovative culinary and presentation skills in your application. Provide specific examples of dishes you've created or menus you've developed that showcase your creativity and passion for using fresh ingredients.
Demonstrate Leadership Experience: Since the role requires managing a team, include details about your previous experience in leading and motivating kitchen staff. Highlight any successful initiatives you implemented to enhance team performance and morale.
Showcase Your Understanding of Food Safety: Mention your knowledge of food management systems, including HACCP and food safety regulations. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety in the kitchen.
Express Your Passion for Hospitality: Convey your enthusiasm for the hospitality industry in your cover letter. Share what drives you to create exceptional dining experiences and how you plan to contribute to the company's sustainability mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland
✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity
As a Head Chef, your ability to innovate is crucial. Prepare to discuss your previous culinary creations and how you can bring fresh ideas to the menu. Highlight any unique dishes you've developed that align with the company's focus on quality ingredients.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role requires strong team management. Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in past positions. Discuss your approach to creating a positive kitchen environment where everyone feels supported.
✨Understand Sustainability Goals
The company is committed to sustainability. Familiarize yourself with their mission to be net zero by 2030 and prepare to discuss how you can contribute to this goal through menu planning and sourcing local ingredients.
✨Know Your Numbers
A clear understanding of budgeting, food costing, and waste control is essential. Be prepared to talk about your experience managing kitchen costs and how you've successfully maintained profit margins in previous roles.
