Chef

Chef – Chicksands JITG Officers Mess (ESS – Compass Group)

Location: Chicksands
Pay Rate: £15.75 per hour
Hours: 37.5 per week (full-time, site-based)
Shift Pattern: 5 days over 7 – working one weekend in five

About the Role

ESS – Compass Group is seeking a skilled and motivated Chef to join our catering team at the JITG Officers Mess, Chicksands. You will be responsible for preparing and serving high-quality meals in a fast-paced environment, delivering an excellent dining experience for Service Personnel and officers.

Working across three kitchens, you’ll support daily service for up to 200 personnel per meal, including breakfast, lunch, and evening service. Flexibility, teamwork, and a proactive approach are essential.

Shift Pattern

• Early: 06:00 – 13:30
• Late: 12:00 – 21:00
• Weekends: One in five

Meal Service Times

Monday-Friday

• Breakfast: 06:45 – 08:30
• Lunch: 11:45 – 13:30
• Evening Meal: 17:00 – 20:45

Weekends

• Breakfast: 07:30 – 09:00
• Lunch: 12:00 – 13:00
• Evening Meal: 17:00 – 18:30

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience in a chef or catering role (essential)
• Relevant qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 2) – desirable
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene and kitchen safety
• Ability to work effectively in a busy, team-oriented environment
• Flexible, reliable, and positive attitude

What We Offer

• £15.75 per hour / 37.5 hours per week
• Free meals while on shift
• Free on-site parking
• Uniforms provided
• Opportunities for training and career development with ESS – Compass Group
• Supportive team culture and a stable, rewarding working environment

Benefits

• Contributory pension scheme
• Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Digital GP and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts (TUI, Expedia, Booking.com, etc.)
• Food shop discounts (Tesco, Sainsbury\’s, Morrisons)
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets
• Cash rewards for spending
• Free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• Sharing discounts and offers with friends and family

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!