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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multiple kitchens, manage a skilled team, and ensure high-quality food service.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, supporting military and government services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, pension scheme, healthcare benefits, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing future chefs.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior kitchen roles and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career growth and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 17 £ per hour.
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 are 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
- Unwind 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.
Site Head Chef in Duxford employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Head Chef in Duxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections 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 visual representation of your work can really make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to food quality and service delivery, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. This shows you're genuinely interested!
✨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 Head Chef in Duxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your previous experience as a Head Chef or in a senior kitchen role. We want to see how you've led teams and managed multiple kitchens, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Specific About Your Skills: When you’re writing your application, be specific about your organisational and operational skills. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to maintain high standards and manage food safety effectively.
Share Your Passion for Food: Let us know why you’re passionate about food quality and service delivery. A genuine enthusiasm for what you do can really make your application stand out from the crowd!
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
✨Know Your Kitchens
Before the interview, familiarise yourself with the specific kitchens you'll be overseeing. Understand their unique challenges and strengths. This will show your potential employer that you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your approach to leading a team. Share examples of how you've motivated and developed your staff in previous roles. Highlighting your mentoring experience with apprentices will resonate well, given the focus on team progression.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Quality
Talk about your commitment to food quality and service delivery. Bring examples of how you've maintained high standards in past positions, especially in high-pressure environments. This will align perfectly with their expectations for the Head Chef role.
✨Prepare for Operational Questions
Expect questions about managing multiple kitchens and operational efficiency. Think through scenarios where you've successfully handled stock control, cost management, or catered for special events. This will showcase your organisational skills and readiness for the role.
