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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multiple kitchens, ensuring high-quality food and service while mentoring apprentices.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, supporting military and government services with a focus on teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career growth, healthcare perks, and exclusive discounts on travel and shopping.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your culinary leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or in senior kitchen roles, with strong team leadership abilities.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a supportive culture that values diversity and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 20 £ per hour.
Pay: £17.30 per hour
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Core Shift: 07:00 - 15:30
Flexibility: Required to support functions and special events
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and driven Head Chef to lead catering operations at RAF Bassingbourn. This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing multiple kitchens, managing a skilled team, and maintaining high standards across all services.
You will oversee five kitchens, each supported by a Sous Chef, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and quality across the operation. A key focus of the role is developing apprentices and supporting team progression.
Service Times
- Breakfast: 06:30 - 08:00
- Lunch: 12:15 - 13:30
- Evening Meal: 17:30 - 18:30
Team Structure
- Leading a team of approximately 10 staff
- Responsibility for 5 kitchens, each with a Sous Chef
- Supporting training, mentoring, and development of apprentices
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate day-to-day catering operations across multiple kitchens
- Deliver consistently high-quality food and service
- Manage, support, and develop kitchen teams
- Mentor apprentices and support workforce development
- Maintain food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards
- Oversee ordering, stock control, and cost management
- Support and deliver catering for functions and events as required
- Maintain a positive and professional working environment
About You
Essential:
- Experience in a similar Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership role
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams
- Experience managing multiple kitchen operations
- Strong organisational and operational skills
- Passionate about food quality and service delivery
- Reliable, proactive, and able to work under pressure
- Flexible to support operational needs and functions
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
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!
Site Head Chef employer: Compass Group UK
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Head Chef
✨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 showcasing your best dishes and kitchen management experiences. A well-presented portfolio can really make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission, especially in terms of team leadership and food quality. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Site Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in kitchen leadership roles. We want to see how you've managed teams and kitchens before, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Specific About Your Skills: Tailor your application to showcase your organisational and operational skills. Mention any specific achievements or projects that demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate a team, especially in a busy kitchen environment.
Passion for Food is Key: Let your love for food quality and service shine through in your application. Share any personal anecdotes or experiences that reflect your passion, as we’re looking for someone who truly cares about what they serve.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at RAF Bassingbourn.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know Your Kitchens
Familiarise yourself with the specific kitchens you'll be overseeing. Understand their unique challenges and strengths, and think about how you can bring consistency and quality across all five. This shows your potential employer that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your approach to leading and developing a team. Think of examples where you've successfully motivated staff or mentored apprentices. Highlighting your leadership style will demonstrate that you can manage a skilled team effectively.
✨Emphasise Food Quality and Safety
Be ready to talk about your commitment to food safety, hygiene, and quality standards. Share specific instances where you've implemented successful practices in these areas. This is crucial for a Head Chef role, and it shows you take these responsibilities seriously.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the role requires flexibility for functions and special events, prepare to discuss how you've adapted to changing circumstances in previous roles. Share examples of how you've managed unexpected challenges while maintaining high service standards.
