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- 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 32000 - 45000 £ 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
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 Shrewsbury employer: Compass Group UK
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Executive Chef in Shrewsbury
✨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 showcase your passion for food and your ability to lead a team in a hands-on environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the interview! Brush up on your knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and allergen management. We want to see that you’re not just a great chef but also a savvy leader who can manage costs and inspire a team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities with us at ESS, where we value talent and offer fantastic career pathways.
We think you need these skills to ace Site Executive Chef in Shrewsbury
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 your background aligns with the demands of leading catering operations at RAF Cosford.
Be Yourself: We value authenticity! Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for food and how you inspire and develop your team – it’s what makes you unique!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application. Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Site Executive Chef role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to our needs.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨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. Be ready to discuss your ideas on menu innovation and how they align with customer needs during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and people development skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight any experience you have in training apprentices or developing future talent, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Food Safety Knowledge
Compliance with HACCP and food safety is crucial. Brush up on your knowledge of food safety regulations and allergen management. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented these practices in previous roles to ensure quality and safety in food preparation.
✨Understand Costing and Budgeting
A solid understanding of food costing, margins, and budgeting is essential for this position. Come equipped with examples of how you've managed costs effectively in past roles. Discuss strategies you've used to drive GP and labour targets while maintaining food quality.
