Head Chef - The Oratory School

Head Chef - The Oratory School

Reading Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Go Premium
C

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a passionate team in creating delicious meals for students and staff.
  • Company: Join Chartwells Independent, a top catering provider for UK schools.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym access, travel discounts, and wellness classes.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through quality food and service.
  • Qualifications: Experience in culinary management and a passion for innovative cooking required.
  • Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for career growth and development.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Join to apply for the Head Chef – The Oratory School role at Chartwells Independent

5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Head Chef – The Oratory School role at Chartwells Independent

Benefits
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:

  • Free meals on duty
  • Free on-site gym
  • Free on-site pool
  • On-site free car parking
  • Contributory pension scheme
  • Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
  • 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 many more
  • Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury\’s, Morrisons and many more
  • Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
  • Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
  • Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
  • You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
  • Working 5 out of 7 days

Benefits
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:

  • Free meals on duty
  • Free on-site gym
  • Free on-site pool
  • On-site free car parking
  • Contributory pension scheme
  • Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
  • 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 many more
  • Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury\’s, Morrisons and many more
  • Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
  • Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
  • Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
  • You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
  • Working 5 out of 7 days

Fantastic Opportunity at prestigious Independent School
Chartwells , part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is the leading provider of catering and support services to Independent Schools in the UK. You will be part of a team that supports high quality education at this school by providing outstanding food and service to the pupils and staff. You will be a key part of a team who have a passion for preparing food daily using fresh ingredients. It all starts with enjoyment-great tasting, healthy food that pupils look forward to and really enjoy.
What You\’ll Be Doing
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and ambitious Head Chef with a real passion for food where you can develop your career with the world’s leading food service and facilities management company. We’re successful and we deliver the sort of people – focused care that’s always in demand. So, add your talents to ours and see how far you can go as a Head Chef here.
More About The Role
Working for this prestigious client, we are seeking an experienced and talented Head Chef to join our fantastic team who produce outstanding food using the finest and freshest ingredients

  • The Head Chef will plan, organise and direct the preparation and cooking of food ensuring that the company’s reputation for quality is enhanced with customers and clients at all times
  • Taking responsibility for the food production with a hands-on approach
  • Driving sales through centrally driven menu planning and promotions and preferred suppliers
  • Responsible for all aspects of food safety, HS and COSHH
  • The Head Chef will also be required to implement and maintain food monitoring procedures to facilitate budgetary control and to monitor all costs involved in the kitchen against agreed budgets

Who You Are

  • Excellent and Innovative culinary and presentation skills
  • Excellent Communication and Interpersonal skills
  • Energetic with a passion to do a great job
  • Able to manage staff in a calm, inspirational manner
  • A forward-thinker who can prevent wastage
  • Demonstrates a passion for food
  • Team Player
  • Excellent organisation skills
  • Numerate and computer literate with an understanding of financial drivers
  • A clear understanding of profit margins, purchasing policy, budgeting and food costing

About Us
As part of Compass you\’ll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK\’s biggest businesses.
Job Reference: com/1407/40518001/52750020/SU #Independent
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!

Seniority level

  • Seniority level

    Mid-Senior level

Employment type

  • Employment type

    Full-time

Job function

  • Job function

    Management and Manufacturing

  • Industries

    Food and Beverage Services

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Chartwells Independent by 2x

Get notified about new Head Chef jobs in Reading, England, United Kingdom .

Head Chef (relocation required) – Beira Restaurant Inverness

London, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago

Little Kingshill, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Oxford, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom 18 minutes ago

Oxford, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Oxford, England, United Kingdom 21 hours ago

Bray, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Camberley, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago

Reading, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

Reading, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

West Byfleet, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago

Reading, England, United Kingdom 6 days ago

Marlow, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago

Camberley, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Newbury, England, United Kingdom 3 hours ago

Reading, England, United Kingdom 7 hours ago

Abingdon-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago

Thatcham, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago

Reading, England, United Kingdom 21 hours ago

Ascot, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago

Chertsey, England, United Kingdom 3 hours ago

Chorleywood, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

High Wycombe, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago

Wantage, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Oxford, England, United Kingdom 6 days ago

Letcombe Regis, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Wallingford, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago

Oxford, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Head Chef - The Oratory School employer: Chartwells Independent

Chartwells Independent is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a comprehensive benefits package including free meals, on-site facilities, and career development programmes, you will thrive in a supportive environment while contributing to the culinary excellence at The Oratory School in Reading. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to providing outstanding food and service, making a meaningful impact on the lives of students and staff alike.
C

Contact Detail:

Chartwells Independent Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef - The Oratory School

✨Tip Number 1

Network with other chefs and culinary professionals in your area. Attend local food events or workshops to meet people who might have insights into the Head Chef position at The Oratory School.

✨Tip Number 2

Research Chartwells Independent and their approach to food service in schools. Understanding their values and mission can help you tailor your conversations during interviews to align with their goals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with menu planning and food safety regulations. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen operations and improved food quality in previous roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your passion for fresh ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. Be ready to share ideas on how you would enhance the dining experience for students and staff at The Oratory School.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - The Oratory School

Culinary Skills
Menu Planning
Food Safety Management
Budgeting and Cost Control
Team Leadership
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Creativity in Food Presentation
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management
Inventory Management
Knowledge of Dietary Requirements
Adaptability
Numeracy Skills
Computer Literacy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in culinary management, food safety, and team leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your innovative culinary skills and ability to manage a kitchen effectively.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and your vision for the role of Head Chef. Mention how your background aligns with the values of Chartwells Independent and how you can contribute to their reputation for quality.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as your ability to manage staff in a calm and inspirational manner. These are key traits for a Head Chef.

Showcase Your Passion: Demonstrate your enthusiasm for food and cooking in your application. Share any personal anecdotes or experiences that reflect your commitment to high-quality food preparation and service.

How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent

✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion

During the interview, make sure to express your genuine love for cooking and food. Share specific examples of dishes you enjoy preparing and how you incorporate fresh ingredients into your meals. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to quality.

✨Highlight Leadership Skills

As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a team, so it's crucial to showcase your leadership abilities. Discuss your experience in managing kitchen staff, resolving conflicts, and inspiring your team to deliver their best work. Use examples that illustrate your calm and inspirational management style.

✨Discuss Food Safety Knowledge

Be prepared to talk about your understanding of food safety regulations, including HS and COSHH. Highlight any relevant certifications you hold and discuss how you implement food monitoring procedures to ensure compliance and maintain high standards in the kitchen.

✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen

Since budgeting and cost control are key responsibilities for a Head Chef, be ready to discuss your experience with food costing, purchasing policies, and profit margins. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen budgets in the past to show your financial literacy.

Head Chef - The Oratory School
Chartwells Independent
Go Premium

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

C
  • Head Chef - The Oratory School

    Reading
    Full-Time
    36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-08-24

  • C

    Chartwells Independent

Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>