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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, creating high-quality meals for service personnel.
- Company: Join ESS, part of Compass Group, serving the UK military and government.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals, gym access, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while showcasing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Enjoy career growth opportunities and a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 28700 - 38000 £ per year.
Location: RNAS Culdrose, Cornwall
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week (5 days over 7, rotating early and late shifts)
Salary: £33,721 per annum
Additional Hours: Occasional weekends required depending on business needs, particularly during seasonal functions and operational demands.
About the Role
As Head Chef with ESS at RNAS Culdrose, you’ll lead from the front in a busy, high-volume kitchen serving around 200 service personnel each day. You’ll manage a dedicated team of 8, including 2 direct reports, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals and an exceptional dining experience across all meal services. You’ll oversee menu planning, food preparation, and event catering — from daily service to formal dinners, private functions, and seasonal events — while maintaining the highest standards of quality, hygiene, and presentation.
Meal Service Times
- Monday-Friday
- Breakfast: 06:45 - 08:15
- Lunch: 11:00 - 13:15
- Evening Meal: 17:00 - 19:00
- Bar Meal Service: 19:00 - 21:15
- Breakfast: 07:00 - 08:00
- Lunch: 11:00 - 12:30
- Evening Meal: 17:00 - 18:30
Shift Pattern (5 days over 7):
- Early: 05:00 - 13:30
- Late: 15:00 - 19:30
Shifts will be scheduled across weekdays and weekends, depending on the needs of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 8 kitchen staff, fostering a positive, professional working environment.
- Prepare, cook, and present a variety of fresh, high-quality dishes to consistently high standards.
- Deliver catering for seasonal events, private functions, and formal dining — from buffets to silver service.
- Engage directly with customers and service personnel to ensure satisfaction and exceed expectations.
- Manage ordering, stock control, and food waste reduction.
- Maintain compliance with all food hygiene, health, and safety standards.
- Oversee staff rotas and ensure smooth day-to-day kitchen operations.
About You
You’re a confident and experienced culinary professional who leads by example and thrives in a structured, team-focused environment. You take pride in producing great food, leading a motivated team, and managing the demands of a dynamic kitchen.
You will:
- Have proven experience in a Head Chef or Senior Chef role (essential).
- Hold relevant catering qualifications (e.g. NVQ, City & Guilds - desirable).
- Have experience delivering both buffet-style and silver service dining.
- Demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
- Be creative, adaptable, and passionate about producing high-quality, seasonal dishes.
- Be flexible and proactive in supporting business and operational needs.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (£33,721 per annum).
- Free meal provided on shift.
- Uniform supplied.
- Access to an on-site gym.
- Opportunities for overtime during functions and events.
- A supportive, professional environment within a respected defence catering operation.
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:
- 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.
Head Chef in Helston employer: Compass Group UK
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Helston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the culinary world, attend local food events, and join online chef communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even host a tasting event. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen and sets you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants or catering companies you admire. Express your interest and ask if they’re looking for a Head Chef. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from a simple conversation.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Helston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in leading a kitchen and preparing high-quality dishes. We want to see your passion for food and how you can bring that to our team!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Head Chef role. We love seeing candidates who take the extra step!
Be Yourself: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits well with our team culture, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and what makes you unique!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Head Chef, you'll be expected to have a strong grasp of menu planning and food preparation. Before the interview, familiarise yourself with seasonal ingredients and popular dishes that could be served at RNAS Culdrose. Be ready to discuss your ideas for menus and how you would cater for different events.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and team management. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed your kitchen team in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them while maintaining a positive working environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Engagement
Engaging with customers is key in this role. Be prepared to share experiences where you've directly interacted with service personnel to ensure their satisfaction. Highlight any feedback you've received and how you've used it to improve the dining experience.
✨Emphasise Your Compliance Knowledge
Food hygiene and safety standards are crucial in a busy kitchen. Brush up on relevant regulations and be ready to discuss how you've maintained compliance in previous roles. Share any initiatives you've implemented to reduce food waste or improve kitchen operations.
