John Smerdon

Venue Head Chef @De Vere Group

Reading, GB

I am an experienced Head Chef with over 8 years leading the culinary operations at Wokefield Estate, part of the De Vere Group. My role combines creative menu development with the commercial discipline required to manage a high-volume, multi-outlet venue. I am passionate about delivering excellence in guest experience while meeting and exceeding key business performance indicators.Core Strengths:Financial Management: Proven track record of achieving GP, payroll, and cost control KPIs through accurate forecasting, stock management, and supplier optimisation.Food Safety & Compliance: Strong advocate for HACCP, due diligence, and legislative compliance, ensuring 100% audit success and embedding a food safety culture across the kitchen.Team Leadership & Well-being: Skilled in building, training, and motivating brigades of chefs, prioritising staff welfare and development through structured reviews, mentoring, and succession planning.Operational Excellence: Experienced in using Fourth Hospitality and Procurement Wizard to streamline processes, maintain cost efficiency, and deliver accurate reporting.Guest Satisfaction: Consistently deliver positive client and delegate reviews by ensuring menus are innovative, seasonal, and executed to the highest standard.I thrive in fast-paced hospitality environments where attention to detail, strong financial acumen, and effective leadership make the difference between good and outstanding.