At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead catering operations and inspire a team across multiple kitchens at RAF Cosford.
- Company: Join ESS, part of Compass Group UK&I, serving the military and government sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, flexible hours, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Achieve work-life balance while making a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in high-volume kitchens and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and personal development through training and apprenticeships.
The predicted salary is between 38200 - 45400 £ 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
- Flexible approach to meet operational needs
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
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:
- Free meals
- Onsite free car parking
- 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.
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 Executive Chef in Albrighton employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Executive Chef in Albrighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who might have insights into the Site Executive Chef role. A friendly chat can lead to valuable referrals or insider info about the job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a sample of your menu ideas or a signature dish to the interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for food and creativity in menu planning.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk numbers! Brush up on your knowledge of food costing, margins, and budgeting. Being able to discuss how you’ve successfully managed these aspects in previous roles will impress the hiring team.
✨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 their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Site Executive Chef in Albrighton
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 you've led teams and managed operations, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Passionate About Food: Let your love for food shine through in your application. Share any unique menu ideas or culinary experiences that showcase your passion and creativity. We’re all about developing future talent!
Demonstrate Leadership Skills: We’re looking for someone who can inspire and develop a team. Use your application to illustrate your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed and motivated others in the kitchen.
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 Cosford.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Site Executive Chef, you'll be expected to lead menu planning. Familiarise yourself with the types of meals served at RAF Cosford and think about how you can align them with ESS frameworks. Bring your ideas to the table during the interview!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a team of around 15, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've inspired and developed your team in previous roles. Highlight any successful training initiatives or mentorships you've implemented.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Compliance with HACCP and food safety is non-negotiable. Brush up on these regulations and be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past positions. This will show that you take food safety seriously and understand its importance in a high-volume setting.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cost Management
With responsibilities for driving GP, labour, and food cost targets, you should come prepared to talk about your experience with budgeting and food costing. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed costs while maintaining quality and presentation.