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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 in senior kitchen roles and a passion for food quality and team development.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
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’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.
Site Head Chef employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group 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 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! 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 bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to restaurants or catering companies you admire and express your interest in working with them. A personal touch can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Make sure to check out our listings and submit your application directly to us for the best chance at landing that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Site Head Chef
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 leadership 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. Mention any relevant certifications or training that showcase your commitment to food safety and quality.
Let Your Passion Shine: We love to see candidates who are passionate about food quality and service delivery. Share your culinary inspirations and what drives you in the kitchen – it’ll help us get a sense of your personality!
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 the expectations of the role.
✨Prepare for Operational Questions
Expect questions about managing multiple kitchen operations, stock control, and cost management. Brush up on your organisational skills and be ready to share strategies you've used to ensure efficiency and consistency across services.
