At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary strategy and innovation across multiple sites, shaping food experiences.
- Company: Dine Contract Catering, a chef-led company with over 20 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and the chance to influence food culture nationally.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with strong career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workplace dining with bold ideas and creativity.
- Qualifications: Proven senior culinary leadership experience and a passion for food innovation.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Competitive salary + benefits UK-wide (travel required). Candidates should be based in the North of the UK (no more than 40 miles from Warrington).
Personality behind every plate. Food first. Always. At Dine, food isn’t an add-on. It’s the centre of everything we do. Founded in the Northwest in 1997 and still proudly based in Warrington, Dine Contract Catering was built by chefs and food lovers who believed workplace dining could be something more. Today, that chef‑led, food‑first mindset still defines us. We’re a business where chefs are empowered to create, bringing together seasonal ingredients, local suppliers and bold ideas to deliver food experiences with real personality, purpose and pride. Every offer is tailored. Every menu has intent. Now, we’re looking for an exceptional culinary leader to take that vision even further.
About the role
As Head of Food, you’ll shape and lead the Dine food strategy across our national estate, defining what great looks like and ensuring it’s delivered consistently, commercially and creatively. This is a high‑impact, food‑first leadership role. You’ll influence everything from concept development and innovation through to mobilisation, execution and long‑term growth, ensuring our offer stays relevant, differentiated and ahead of the curve. Working closely with the Culinary Director, Dine Managing Director and senior stakeholders, you’ll be the driving force behind our culinary identity. Elevating standards, inspiring teams and embedding a chef‑led culture that gives our people the confidence and freedom to innovate.
What you’ll do
- Set and lead the Dine culinary vision, defining what great looks like across quality, innovation, sustainability and commercial performance.
- Act as the senior culinary lead across the business, shaping food strategy and influencing key client relationships to drive retention and growth.
- Develop bold, relevant and commercially viable menus, concepts and recipes that translate seamlessly into operation.
- Drive consistency and high standards across all sites from tenders and mobilisations through to everyday delivery.
- Lead food innovation by identifying emerging trends and translating them into scalable, market‑leading offers.
- Build and develop culinary capability, creating strong talent pipelines and future leaders.
- Act as the culinary face of the business, leading client pitches, presentations and high‑profile engagements.
- Partner cross‑functionally with Marketing, Operations and Supply Chain to bring food strategy to life and deliver commercial impact.
What you’ll bring
- Proven experience in a senior culinary leadership role within a multi‑site, commercial environment (hospitality, FMCG or retail advantageous).
- Strong technical knowledge of food safety, compliance and quality assurance (e.g. HACCP).
- Deep understanding of market trends, dietary inclusivity and modern food presentation.
- A strong chef background with a genuine passion for food, creativity and innovation.
- Commercially astute, with the ability to balance quality, cost and consistency.
- Gravitas and credibility to influence clients and senior stakeholders.
- A track record of building and developing high‑performing teams.
- A strategic, hands‑on mindset, comfortable leading change at pace.
- Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel.
Why Dine?
We don’t do generic. With over 20 years of heritage in our industry, we’ve grown from a Northwest independent into a nationally recognised brand, all while staying true to what made us different: chef‑led thinking, real autonomy in our kitchens and strong, lasting relationships with our clients. Backed by Compass Group UK & Ireland, we offer the scale, investment and opportunity of a global business without losing the agility, personality and pride of our roots. If you’re driven by great food, bold ideas and the opportunity to shape a chef‑led culture at scale, this is your chance to make a real impact.
Locations
Head of Food in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Chartwells Independent
At Dine, we pride ourselves on being a chef-led, food-first company that empowers culinary leaders to innovate and create exceptional dining experiences. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a dynamic work culture where creativity thrives, and every team member is encouraged to contribute to our unique culinary identity. Located in Warrington, we provide the benefits of a large organisation while maintaining the agility and personal touch of a local business, making us an excellent employer for those passionate about food and leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Food in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the food industry. Attend events, join culinary groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary flair! When you get the chance to meet with hiring managers or during interviews, bring along a portfolio of your best work. Whether it’s photos of dishes you’ve created or menus you’ve designed, let your passion for food shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk trends! As a Head of Food, you’ll need to be on top of what’s hot in the culinary world. Research current food trends and be prepared to discuss how you can incorporate them into Dine’s offerings. This shows you’re not just a chef, but a visionary leader.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Dine. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for our food-first philosophy right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Food in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary experiences and how they align with our food-first philosophy. We want to see that you’re not just a chef, but a true food lover.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Food role. Highlight your experience in multi-site environments and how you've driven culinary innovation in the past. We appreciate attention to detail!
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. Share your unique culinary vision and how you plan to elevate our food strategy. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead with confidence.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, take some time to define your own culinary vision. Think about what 'great' looks like in terms of quality, innovation, and sustainability. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've shaped food strategies in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Food
Dine is all about a food-first mindset, so make sure your passion for food shines through. Prepare to discuss your favourite culinary trends, seasonal ingredients, and how you’ve used creativity to elevate dining experiences in the past.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a potential Head of Food, you'll need to inspire teams and build high-performing culinary talent. Come prepared with stories that highlight your leadership style, how you've developed others, and how you’ve led change in a fast-paced environment.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with Dine's market position and their unique approach to workplace dining. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their growth and retention strategies, and how your experience aligns with their goals in a multi-site, commercial environment.
