Head Chef

Full Time, Permanent

The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 23^rd July 2026

Interviews will be held in two stages. First-stage interviews are scheduled to take place on 18 and 19 August.

If the successful candidate already holds a Skilled Worker Visa sponsored by another organisation and it was issued before the 22 July 2025, by reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

There may be costs associated with a visa application, including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which are not paid for by the University of Reading and cannot be claimed back. For further information on potential costs please visit:  Healthcare Surcharge Information GOV.UK

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our food production operations at Henley Business School. This is a key leadership role responsible for delivering exceptional food quality, maintaining the highest standards of food safety, and ensuring an outstanding dining experience for our customers.

The kitchen team produces a range of freshly cooked meals daily including breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets in our Heyworth Restaurant, bar meals, fine dining events, canapes, BBQ’s, boat dinners and weddings.

You will line manage a kitchen team of 14 staff, drive operational excellence, and play a central role in menu development, team development, and commercial success.

You will have :

• A vocational chefs qualification
• Experience of working in a kitchen in a hotel or fine dining environment.
• Excellent planning skills
• Experience of leadership of a team
• Excellent communication skills, including working closely with Front of House team

(please read the person specification for full shortlisting criteria)

What’s in it for you?

• 26 days annual leave plus Christmas and Easter closures plus Bank Holidays.
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Staff discounted gym membership.
• great and diverse team environment 
• opportunities for training and career progression within the wider University team 
• Working with fresh seasonal ingredients.

For more information, please contact:

Contact Name : Jamie Scott

Contact Job Title : Catering Manager

Contact Email address : Jamie.scott@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name : Dereck St Clair

Alternative Contact Job Title : Head of Hotel Services

Alternative Contact Email address : d.stclair@henley.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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