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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, creating delicious meals and ensuring top-notch service.
- Company: Join Dine Contract Catering, a leader in sustainable food services with over 20 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a Monday to Friday schedule, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team focused on sustainability and community impact while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Previous experience in a similar role and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: We're committed to diversity and empowering our team members to thrive.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Fixed Term contract for 6 months. Up to £35,000 per annum (pro-rota) depending on experience. Monday to Friday role!
We are looking for a talented, enthusiastic Head Chef for our dedicated Dine Contract Catering team producing outstanding food using the finest and freshest ingredients in this prestigious contract. 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.
About the role:
- Services include breakfast, lunch, hospitality and coffee shop.
- 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 ideally within a contract catering environment.
- Ability to successfully motivate and 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.
Our secret ingredient - our people! If you've got what it takes to join some of the food service industry's best and brightest, we want to hear from you.
For more information about careers at Dine Contract Catering and our benefits please visit: Careers at Dine Contract Catering.
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!
Contact Detail:
Dine Contract Catering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fixed Term Head Chef - Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in sustainable cooking and local sourcing. Since this role emphasises sustainability and using local ingredients, showcasing your knowledge in these areas during your interview can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing a kitchen team effectively. Highlight specific examples where you've motivated your team or improved kitchen operations, as this will demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to create a positive work environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about your approach to menu planning and how you drive sales through innovative dishes. Think of examples where your creativity has led to successful promotions or increased customer satisfaction, as this aligns with the role's focus on service excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Understand the importance of food safety and hygiene regulations, especially HACCP and COSHH. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented these standards in previous roles, as this is crucial for maintaining the company's reputation for quality.
We think you need these skills to ace Fixed Term Head Chef - Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in contract catering and showcases your culinary skills. Emphasise any previous roles where you managed a team or contributed to sustainability initiatives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality and your understanding of the company's mission. Mention specific examples of how you've driven sales through menu planning or improved kitchen operations in past roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've motivated and developed a team. Highlight any innovative approaches you've taken to create a positive kitchen environment and ensure high standards.
Demonstrate Knowledge of Food Safety: Include details about your understanding of food management systems, including HACCP and food safety regulations. This will show that you are well-versed in maintaining cleanliness and safety standards in the kitchen.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dine Contract Catering
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and the culinary arts during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or innovative techniques you've used, as this will demonstrate your passion and creativity in the kitchen.
✨Highlight Team Leadership Skills
Since the role requires managing a team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share experiences where you successfully motivated your team, resolved conflicts, or improved team dynamics, showcasing your ability to create a positive kitchen environment.
✨Discuss Sustainability Initiatives
Given the company's commitment to sustainability, come prepared with ideas on how you can contribute to their mission of reaching Climate Zero by 2030. Discuss any previous experience you have with sustainable practices in the kitchen or menu planning.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with food safety standards and regulations such as HACCP and Natasha's Law. Be ready to discuss how you have implemented these practices in past roles to ensure high levels of cleanliness and food safety in the kitchen.
