Chef de Partie / Sous Chef – Schools, Care Homes & Workplace Catering

Reading | Monday to Friday | Flexible Daytime Hours | Competitive Pay

Are you an experienced Chef de Partie or Sous Chef looking for a role that offers flexibility and an excellent work-life balance? Join our catering team supporting a variety of schools, care homes and workplace catering sites across the Reading area.

Working across a range of venues means no two days are the same. You'll prepare fresh, high-quality meals while working alongside experienced catering professionals in supportive environments. Whether you enjoy the pace of workplace catering, the rewarding nature of school catering or preparing nutritious meals in care homes, we'll help you find opportunities that suit your skills and availability.

Whether you're looking for regular weekday work or flexible shifts, we'd love to hear from you.

Shift Information

• Predominantly Monday to Friday shifts
• Daytime working hours (shift times vary depending on the venue)
• Flexible shifts available to suit your availability
• Ongoing opportunities across schools, care homes and workplace catering sites throughout the Reading area
• Regular work available for candidates seeking long-term assignments

What You'll Be Doing

• Preparing and cooking fresh, high-quality meals to the highest standards
• Supporting the Head Chef with the day-to-day running of the kitchen
• Assisting with menu planning, food production and service
• Ensuring food is prepared and presented consistently
• Managing food stock, deliveries and stock rotation
• Maintaining excellent food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness
• Following Food Safety, Health & Safety, COSHH and allergen procedures at all times
• Supporting and mentoring junior members of the kitchen team where required
• Working efficiently as part of a busy and professional catering team

What We Offer

• Enhanced DBS certificate provided where required
• Competitive pay
• Flexible daytime shifts with an excellent work-life balance
• Ongoing opportunities across schools, care homes and workplace catering sites in Reading
• Development and career progression opportunities
• Opportunity to work at over 5,000 Compass venues across the UK
• Compass Exclusive Benefits
• Lifestyle Benefits "Perks" Platform
• Health & Wellbeing Support Programme, including access to our Employee Assistance Programme

What We're Looking For

• An experienced Chef de Partie or Sous Chef
• Passion for producing fresh, high-quality food
• Ability to work efficiently in a busy kitchen environment
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• A positive, team-focused attitude
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen management
• Reliable, professional and committed to delivering exceptional food quality

Uniform & Qualifications

Please arrive for your shift with:

• Your own chef whites
• Your own chef knives
• Black non-slip safety shoes

In addition:

• Previous experience as a Chef de Partie, Sous Chef or in a similar chef position is essential.
• A Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate is essential.
• Sous Chefs must hold a valid Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Some roles are based within educational settings and require an Enhanced DBS Check.

If you already hold a valid Enhanced DBS certificate on the Gov. Update Service, please let your recruiter know. If not, we'll support you through the application process and arrange one for you where required.

Why Join Us?

Working across our Reading sites offers the opportunity to build your culinary career while enjoying flexible daytime hours and a fantastic work-life balance. With opportunities across schools, care homes and workplace catering, you'll gain valuable experience in a variety of professional kitchens while making a real difference to the people you serve.

With competitive pay, ongoing work, excellent employee benefits and opportunities to work across thousands of Compass venues nationwide, this is a fantastic opportunity to develop your career with us.

Apply online today using our quick 1-minute application form.

We'll be in touch as soon as possible and, if successful, you could be working at one of our Reading locations within just a few days.