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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 and strong culinary skills 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.
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 team in Reading, producing outstanding food using the finest and freshest ingredients in this prestigious contract.
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
- 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
- Gym access on site
- 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
- Holiday purchase scheme
- Sharebuy Scheme
- Recognition awards including Be a Star peer recognition and Long Service Awards
- Employee networks created and led by employees for employees
- Exclusive Benefits & Wellbeing site (Perks at Work)
- Entertainment, Health & Wellbeing and Travel discounts
- Shopping discounts – Save up to 15% at high street and online stores by purchasing Shopping Cards
- On-going training & development and career pathways
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!
AMRT1_UKCT
Head Chef - Reading employer: B&I
Contact Detail:
B&I Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Showcase your passion for fresh ingredients and sustainability during the interview. Discuss specific examples of how you've implemented sustainable practices in your previous roles, as this aligns with our mission to be net zero by 2030.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to talk about your experience in managing a kitchen team. Highlight instances where you motivated your team to achieve high standards, as we value leadership and team development in our kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your innovative culinary skills. Share ideas for menu planning or promotions that could drive sales, demonstrating your creativity and understanding of customer preferences.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarize yourself with food management systems and safety regulations. Be prepared to explain how you ensure compliance with HACCP and food safety standards, as maintaining high levels of cleanliness and safety is crucial in our kitchens.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in contract catering and hospitality. Emphasize your culinary skills, team management experience, and any innovative projects you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and hospitality. Mention specific examples of how you've driven sales through menu planning or improved kitchen operations in previous roles.
Highlight Sustainability Efforts: Since the role emphasizes sustainability, include any relevant experience you have with sustainable practices in the kitchen. Discuss how you've contributed to reducing waste or sourcing local ingredients.
Showcase Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've motivated and developed your team. Highlight your ability to create a positive kitchen environment and maintain high standards of service.
How to prepare for a job interview at B&I
✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity
Prepare to discuss your innovative culinary ideas and how you can enhance the menu. Bring examples of dishes you've created that highlight your use of fresh ingredients and presentation skills.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to share experiences where you've successfully motivated and managed a kitchen team. Highlight specific instances where you fostered a positive environment and developed team members.
✨Understand Budgeting and Cost Control
Familiarize yourself with food costing, profit margins, and budget management. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented cost control measures in previous roles.
✨Emphasize Food Safety Knowledge
Make sure to convey your understanding of food safety regulations, including HACCP and Natasha's Law. Discuss how you maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety in the kitchen.
