At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to prepare high-quality meals for Service Personnel.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, a leader in contract catering.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for career growth in a diverse workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading a passionate team in a structured environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef with strong team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 32611 - 32612 £ per year.
Salary: £32,612 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Full-time | 5 days out of 7 (shifts between 06:30 and 20:00)
We are recruiting an experienced Head Chef to lead a catering operation at Royal Marines Stonehouse, Plymouth. This is an excellent opportunity for a strong contract catering professional who thrives in a structured environment, enjoys leading from the front, and is passionate about developing a high-performing team. You will take full ownership of the kitchen, managing a team and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals in line with military catering standards.
What you’ll be doing:
- Preparing and delivering high-quality, nutritious meals to Service Personnel
- Leading a hands-on kitchen operation and setting standards through example
- Managing daily catering activities in line with contractual and operational requirements
- Line managing, coaching, and developing the team
- Supporting team training and driving continuous improvement and capability
- Overseeing food ordering, stock control, and waste management
- Ensuring consistently high food presentation and service standards
- Maintaining full compliance with Food Safety and Health & Safety regulations
- Managing kitchen audits, documentation, and compliance processes
What we’re looking for:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef, ideally within contract catering
- Experience managing and developing kitchen teams
- Strong knowledge of stock control, ordering, and auditing procedures
- A confident trainer with the ability to develop and motivate others
- Well-organised, calm, and comfortable working within a structured environment
- Flexible, reliable, and able to adapt to operational needs
- Able to commute reliably to Royal Marines Stonehouse, Plymouth
We ensure you’re rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- 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
- Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
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!
Head Chef NEW Defence Posted today £32,611.90 per year Plymouth Operations employer: Chartwells Independent
At Compass Group UK&I, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and individual growth. As the Head Chef at Royal Marines Stonehouse in Plymouth, you will not only lead a dedicated team in delivering high-quality meals but also benefit from a comprehensive rewards package, including career development opportunities, healthcare benefits, and exclusive discounts. Join us to thrive in a structured environment where your culinary expertise and leadership can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef NEW Defence Posted today £32,611.90 per year Plymouth Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, especially those who have experience with contract catering. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, offer to do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This is your chance to shine and show them what you can bring to the table – literally!
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the interview! Research the Royal Marines Stonehouse and understand their catering needs. Tailor your answers to highlight how your experience aligns with their mission and standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef NEW Defence Posted today £32,611.90 per year Plymouth Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share specific examples of dishes you've created or teams you've led. We want to see that you’re not just about the food, but also about the experience you create in the kitchen.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in contract catering and team management. We’re looking for someone who can lead from the front, so show us how you’ve done that in the past!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to your skills and experiences relevant to the Head Chef position.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’ll be all set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Kitchen Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary skills and be ready to discuss your experience in managing a kitchen. Think about specific examples where you led a team or improved kitchen operations. This will show that you’re not just a chef, but a leader who can inspire others.
✨Showcase Your Team Development Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you've trained and developed your team in the past. Share specific instances where you’ve motivated staff or implemented training programmes. This is crucial for a Head Chef role, as they’ll want to see your ability to nurture talent and drive continuous improvement.
✨Understand Military Catering Standards
Familiarise yourself with military catering standards and how they differ from regular contract catering. Being able to discuss these standards and how you would implement them in your kitchen will demonstrate your commitment to quality and compliance.
✨Prepare Questions About Operations
Have a few thoughtful questions ready about the kitchen operations at Royal Marines Stonehouse. Ask about their current challenges or how they measure success in their catering services. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
