At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create high-quality meals for military personnel.
- Company: Join Compass Group, a leader in catering for the Defence sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career development, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hours with predominantly Monday to Friday shifts and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment with excellent work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 36000 £ per year.
Salary: £36,000 per annum
Location: Buckley Barracks, Chippenham
Hours: 40 hours per week, predominantly Monday to Friday with occasional weekend functions
Bring your passion, creativity, and leadership to Compass Group, where you'll play a key role in delivering fresh, nutritious, high-quality food to Junior Ranks and the Combined Mess at Buckley Barracks. As Head Chef, you'll take full ownership of a busy military kitchen, lead and develop a dedicated team, and create a positive environment where exceptional food and teamwork are at the heart of everything you do. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the culinary offering on site, build a strong kitchen culture, and make a real impact in a role that offers excellent work-life balance with mainly Monday to Friday hours.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead, motivate, and develop a kitchen team comprising a Sous Chef, two Chef de Parties, and military chefs
- Plan, prepare, and deliver fresh, nutritious, high-quality meals for Junior Ranks and Combined Mess personnel
- Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality and presentation
- Manage stock control, ordering, food costs, and waste reduction initiatives
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards
- Coordinate catering requirements for occasional functions and special events, including some weekend support
- Drive a positive, professional, and collaborative kitchen culture
- Support training and development of both civilian and military kitchen team members
About You
You're an experienced Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef ready to take ownership of a busy catering operation. You lead by example, remain calm under pressure, and have a genuine passion for developing teams and delivering outstanding food.
You'll Bring
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or in a senior culinary leadership role
- Relevant catering qualifications (NVQ, City & Guilds, or equivalent desirable)
- Experience managing and developing kitchen teams
- Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
- Sound knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and compliance requirements
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- A passion for producing fresh, high-quality food and exceptional customer experiences
- Flexibility to support occasional weekend functions when required
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £36,000 per annum
- Predominantly Monday to Friday working pattern
- Opportunities for career development within Compass Group
- A supportive team environment
- The chance to lead a key catering operation within the Defence sector
- Comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Contributory pension scheme
- 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
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend
- Free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
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.
Head Chef in Chippenham employer: Compass Group UK
Compass Group UK is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values teamwork and innovation within the dynamic setting of the Imperial War Museum London. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering outstanding service in hospitality. With a focus on employee well-being and development, Compass Group UK stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Chippenham
✨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 Compass Group UK. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Compass Group UK
Don't be shy about reaching out to Compass Group UK 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 in Chippenham
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 Compass Group UK 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 Compass Group UK
✨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!
