At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team to create fresh, high-quality meals for military personnel.
- Company: Join Compass Group, a leader in the catering industry with a focus on teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career growth, and exclusive discounts on travel and shopping.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and a supportive environment for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by delivering excellent food and inspiring culinary creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 15.5 - 15.5 £ per hour.
As a Chef Manager 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.
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 Chef Manager 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.
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive – because diversity is our strength!
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Burgess Hill
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Chartwells Independent. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chartwells Independent
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chartwells Independent directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager in Burgess Hill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Chartwells Independent and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
