At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to prepare high-quality meals for Service Personnel.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, supporting military and government services.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym discounts, and exclusive travel offers.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and opportunities for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your culinary leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef with strong team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 32612 - 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:
- Free meals
- Subsidised gym membership
- Discounted Event tickets
- 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:
Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS is the Defence, Government, and Energy services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support 250+ UK military establishments, high profile police, secure environments and government sites, along with a range of onshore and offshore facilities including platforms, drilling rigs, floatels and offices for the energy sector. We know that a friendly face makes all the difference, so we look for people who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, at all levels, to join our teams.
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
Compass Group UK&I is an exceptional employer located in Winchester, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises individuality and personal development. As a part-time Cafe Supervisor, you'll enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and the chance to advance your career within a leading hospitality organisation that values great customer service and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef NEW Defence Posted today £32,611.90 per year Plymouth Operations
✨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 Head Chef NEW Defence Posted today £32,611.90 per year Plymouth Operations
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!
