Job Introduction
Head of Food
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.
#DINE