Head Chef

Head Chef

Join to apply for the Head Chef role at ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services

Salary: £15.61 per hour

Hours: 40 Hours per week – Predominantly Monday to Friday with occasional weekends

Shift pattern: Early shift 7am to 2.30pm and late shift 10am to 8.30pm

As a Head Chef with Compass Group , you’ll lead a talented kitchen team delivering fresh, high‑quality meals to military personnel and staff. You’ll oversee all aspects of kitchen operations – from daily service to event catering – ensuring every plate meets our high standards. You’ll manage a team of 7 and play a key role in creating a positive, professional kitchen environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 7 to deliver excellent food and service
• Plan, prepare, and present fresh, nutritious meals for daily and special events
• Manage ordering, stock control, and food waste reduction
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health, and safety standards
• Support smooth day‑to‑day operations and effective scheduling
• Inspire a culture of teamwork, pride, and culinary creativity

About You

You’re an experienced, hands‑on Head Chef who thrives under pressure and leads by example.

You Will

• Have previous experience in a Head Chef or similar role (essential)
• Hold relevant catering qualifications (e.g. NVQ, City & Guilds – desirable)
• Be confident managing a large, diverse team in a fast‑paced environment
• Show strong leadership, organisation, and communication skills
• Be passionate about delivering high‑quality, seasonal food
• Be flexible to work a mixture of early and late shifts, including weekends

Benefits

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un‑wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

As part of Compass you’ll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Job Reference

com/1112/ / /SU #Energy

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Food and Beverage Services

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