At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead catering operations and inspire a team at RAF Cosford, serving 800-1,000 meals daily.
- Company: Join ESS, part of Compass Group UK&I, supporting military and government sites.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, flexible hours, and excellent work-life balance with career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing future culinary talent.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in high-volume kitchens and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Access to wellness classes, discounts, and a supportive team culture.
The predicted salary is between 38200 - 45400 £ per year.
Location: RAF Cosford, WV7 3EX
Salary: £38,191 per annum
Hours: 39 hours per week
Working Pattern: Mainly Monday–Friday (occasional weekends / late finishes)
Looking for a senior chef role with real work–life balance? ESS are recruiting a Site Executive Chef to lead catering operations at RAF Cosford, a large, fully operational military site serving 800–1,000 meals daily across multiple kitchens.
Most ESS Military sites operate on single shifts – no split shifts and no regular late nights.
Service Times:
- Breakfast: 06:00 – 08:00
- Lunch: 11:30 – 13:30
- Evening Meal: 16:30 – 20:00
The Role:
- Hands-on leadership across multiple kitchens
- Menu planning aligned to ESS frameworks and customer needs
- Maintain food quality, consistency, and presentation
- Lead, develop, and inspire a team of around 15
- Deliver functions and events as required
- Ensure full compliance with HACCP, food safety, and allergen management
- Drive GP, labour, and food cost targets
- Use catering systems effectively – computer literacy essential
- Support apprenticeships, career pathways, and the Junior Chef Academy
- Flexible approach to meet operational needs
About You:
- Proven experience in a similar high-volume, multi-kitchen role (essential)
- Strong leadership and people development skills
- Passion for food and developing future talent
- Calm, organised, and adaptable
- Confident with systems, stock control, and reporting
- Strong understanding of food costing, margins, and budgeting
What’s in It for You?
- Excellent work–life balance
- Mainly Monday–Friday working
- No split shifts / no regular late nights
- Free meal on shift
- Training, apprenticeships & clear career pathways
- Opportunities to work on large-scale events
- Perks for Work benefits platform
- Genuine progression opportunities within ESS
- Comprehensive benefits package including free meals, onsite free car parking, contributory pension scheme, and more
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.
Site Executive Chef in Albrighton employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Executive Chef in Albrighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who have experience in high-volume kitchens. 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, organise a tasting session or a demo of your cooking style. This is a great way to demonstrate your passion for food and your ability to lead a team in a hands-on way.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of HACCP and food safety regulations. They’ll want to know you can maintain high standards across multiple kitchens, so come ready with examples from your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at ESS and ready to take on the challenge of leading catering operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Site Executive Chef in Albrighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your proven experience in high-volume, multi-kitchen roles. We want to see how you've led teams and managed operations, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Yourself: We love authenticity! Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for food and how you inspire others – it’s what makes you unique.
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to align your skills and experiences with the job description. Mention specific examples that relate to menu planning, food safety, and team development – it shows us you’re the right fit!
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 this exciting opportunity at RAF Cosford.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Site Executive Chef, you'll be expected to lead menu planning. Familiarise yourself with the current offerings and think about how you can enhance them. Bring ideas to the table that align with ESS frameworks and customer needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams, especially in high-volume settings. Share specific examples of how you've developed talent and inspired your team in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to manage a team of around 15 chefs effectively.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on HACCP, food safety, and allergen management protocols. Be ready to explain how you ensure compliance in your kitchens. This knowledge is crucial for maintaining food quality and safety standards at RAF Cosford.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cost Management
Since driving GP, labour, and food cost targets is part of the role, prepare to talk about your experience with budgeting and food costing. Highlight any systems you've used for stock control and reporting to show you're confident with catering systems.