At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, delivering high-quality meals in a healthcare environment.
- Company: Join Compass Group, a leader in the food service industry.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, career development, and exclusive discounts on travel and shopping.
- Other info: Enjoy a stable role with predictable hours and a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by providing nutritious meals that support patient wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Chef with leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 34400 - 34400 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting a reliable and committed Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Circle Rehabilitation Centre in Edgbaston, delivering consistent, high‑quality meals from a set menu within a healthcare environment. This role is ideal for a Head Chef who values structure, stability and purpose, and takes pride in delivering meals that support patient wellbeing while maintaining excellent standards.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the day‑to‑day running of the kitchen, ensuring all meals are prepared and served accurately in line with the agreed menu and dietary requirements. You’ll focus on standards, compliance, team leadership and consistency, ensuring every service is delivered safely, efficiently and on time.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver meals in line with a set menu, ensuring consistency and quality at every service
- Lead and support the kitchen team, creating a positive and well‑organised working environment
- Ensure all food is prepared, cooked and presented to required standards
- Manage stock ordering, stock control and food waste
- Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and health & safety at all times
- Ensure cleaning schedules are followed and the kitchen remains compliant and audit‑ready
- Manage kitchen budgets and support cost control
- Act as a professional representative of the organisation on site
What We’re Looking For
- City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2 or NVQ equivalent
- Experience working as a Head Chef or strong Senior Chef in a structured environment
- Comfortable working to set menus and standardised procedures
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Organised, calm and dependable under pressure
- Safety‑first mindset with excellent attention to detail
- Passionate about delivering food that meets the needs of patients and service users
Why Apply?
- £16.50 per hour, paid for 40 hours per week
- A stable, structured role with predictable hours
- Supportive healthcare environment
- Opportunity to develop your leadership skills within an established organisation
- A role where quality, consistency and care matter more than volume
- Comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Contributory pension scheme
- 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
- Free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
About Us
As part of Compass you will help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK’s biggest businesses.
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!
Head Chef in Shirley employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Shirley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the culinary world, attend local food events, or 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! Consider hosting a pop-up event or cooking demonstration to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common chef interview questions. Think about how you can highlight your leadership skills and experience with structured environments. We want you to shine when it comes to discussing your passion for patient wellbeing through food!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll be able to see all the perks we offer, like career development opportunities and wellness benefits that make working with us even more rewarding.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Shirley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and delivering quality meals shine through. We want to see how you can bring that passion to our kitchen and support patient wellbeing.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Tell us about times you've motivated your team or improved kitchen operations – we love a good success story!
Be Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is key in a healthcare environment. In your application, mention how you maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene, and how you ensure compliance with regulations. We appreciate candidates who take this seriously!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Circle Rehabilitation Centre!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the set menu and dietary requirements at Circle Rehabilitation Centre. Being able to discuss how you would approach meal preparation and presentation will show your commitment to quality and consistency.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to create a positive working environment and manage stock control effectively. This will demonstrate that you can handle the responsibilities of a Head Chef.
✨Emphasise Food Safety and Hygiene
Be ready to discuss your knowledge of food safety standards and how you ensure compliance in the kitchen. Mention any relevant certifications you hold, as this will reassure them of your commitment to maintaining high hygiene standards.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Patient Wellbeing
Express your enthusiasm for delivering meals that support patient wellbeing. Share any experiences where you’ve tailored meals to meet specific dietary needs, showing that you understand the importance of nutrition in a healthcare setting.