Production Chef - Central Kitchen, Big Volume, Bigger Rewards Location: Reading Start Date: September 2025 Contract Type: Permanent ⏱️ Hours: 36 hours per week Salary: £26,000 - £30,000 per annum Enhanced Pay: Time and a half for overtime, double pay on Sundays Are you a skilled chef who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen? Want to be part of a central production team crafting hundreds of meals daily? Blue Arrow is recruiting Production Chefs to join a large-scale catering operation in Reading - where your precision, speed, and passion will be rewarded. ________________________________________ ️ About the Role: Work from a central production kitchen preparing 600 meals a day, supplying a network of eateries, bars, and restaurants across the estate. You'll be part of a skilled brigade focused on quality, consistency, and sustainability. ________________________________________ ✨ What's in it for you? * ️ Free meals on duty * Overtime paid at 1.5x hourly rate * Double pay on Sundays * Christmas & Easter off - all kitchens close for the holidays * 36 days annual leave * Pension contribution - 5%, rising to 7% after 5 years * Training & development - NVQs available * Chef competitions - showcase your skills * Variety of kitchens - across a large estate * On-site parking available * Fresh food focus - sustainability at the heart of every dish ________________________________________ What you'll be doing: * Producing large volumes of fresh meals to exacting standards * Following HACCP and food safety procedures * Managing stock, ordering, and minimising waste * Working closely with the Head Chef and wider team * Supporting menu development and operational efficiency ________________________________________ What you'll need: * NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent) * ✅ Level 2 Food Safety * Experience in a commercial or production kitchen * Strong communication and organisational skills * Calm under pressure, with a passion for food and teamwork ________________________________________ Typical shifts include: 7am-2:30pm | 8am-2:45pm | 1pm-9pm | 2:15pm-10pm Weekend work available - earn significantly more! ________________________________________ Ready to feed the future? Apply now and power up your career with Blue Arrow! Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.