Head Chef

🍳 Head Chef – RAF Cranwell

£16.65 per hour

37 hours per week | Full-time

We’re looking for an experienced, hands‑on Head Chef to lead our catering operation at RAF Cranwell. This is a fantastic opportunity for a strong kitchen leader who enjoys being on the tools, supporting their team, and delivering high‑quality food in a fast‑paced, structured environment.

👨🍳 What you’ll be doing

• Preparing and delivering high-quality, nutritious meals for Service Personnel 🍽️
• Leading from the front in a hands‑on Head Chef role
• Managing daily feeding and function activities
• Supporting, motivating, and developing a team of 12, with 6 direct reports
• Ensuring excellent food presentation, consistency, and service standards
• Managing food ordering, stock control, and minimising waste ♻️
• Maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and safety 🧼
• Managing budgets and ensuring financial targets are met 💷
• Ensuring full compliance with Food Safety and Health & Safety regulations

🌟 What we’re looking for

• Proven experience in a Head Chef or Senior Chef role
• A hands‑on leader who enjoys working alongside their team
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• The ability to manage a small team effectively and responsibly
• Calm under pressure and confident in a high‑volume catering environment
• Reliable, flexible, and able to adapt to changing weekly schedules
• A safety‑first mindset with a genuine passion for food

⏰ Hours & Working Pattern

• 37 hours per week
• Monday to Friday, typically 08:00-18:00 (hours may vary week to week depending on business needs)
• Service times:
  • Breakfast: 06:15-08:30 🥐
  • Lunch: 11:15-13:15 🍽️
  • Evening Meal: 17:00-20:00 🍲
• Weekend shifts required when the business demands

Benefits

• 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

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!