Head Chef - Howbery Park Estates in Wallingford

At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.

We have an opportunity for a Head Chef to join our Howbery Park Estates hospitality team. The HR Wallingford Group owns and operates the Howbery Business Park, a 70 acre site set in mature, landscaped grounds near to the river Thames. The business science park is located between Oxford and Reading and has excellent links to the M4, M40 and London.

We are seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality meals and exceptional dining experiences for our customers. The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Organising and overseeing all kitchen operations to meet service requirements.
• Preparing and cooking daily meals.
• Providing catering for hospitality functions, special occasions, and events.
• Creating and developing menus in conjunction with the Catering Manager.
• Maintaining accurate food preparation records.
• Ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene, and food safety at all times.
• Training and mentoring the Assistant Chef.
• Maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
• Monitoring food storage temperatures.
• Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety legislation, COSHH requirements, Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations, and food allergy guidance.
• Taking responsibility for kitchen equipment maintenance reporting.
• Providing cover for the Catering Manager in their absence.
• Undertaking any other duties required to support the efficient operation of the catering service.

The Manor Café, located on Howbery Business Park beside the River Thames, serves both on-site clients and external visitors with a range of hot and cold food options. With spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas, as well as a takeaway service, the café serves in the region of 130 customers per day with a daily turnover of approximately £1,000 per day. We also provide hospitality to our conference rooms and across the business park, including hot and cold beverages, business lunches and buffets. The Manor Café has proudly maintained a 5-star food hygiene rating for the past seven consecutive years.

Key qualifications and skills:

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, or similar role in a busy catering or hospitality environment.
• Recognised catering qualification.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene, food safety regulations, allergen management, COSHH, and Health & Safety requirements.
• Experience planning, preparing, and delivering high-quality meals, buffets, and hospitality catering.
• Ability to create varied, cost-effective menus that meet customer needs and dietary requirements.
• Experience training, supervising, and motivating kitchen staff.
• Ability to maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and kitchen discipline.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with the Catering Manager and wider team.

Further information:

• Hours of work: Monday to Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm, 40 Hours per week.
• Closing date for applications: 21st August 2026.

HR Wallingford are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.