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 military and government sites.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, flexible hours, and exclusive discounts on travel and shopping.
- 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 38191 - 42500 £ 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 with 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
Benefits
- 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: ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
Contact Detail:
ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services 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 sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, organise a tasting session or a demo of your cooking style. This is a great way to demonstrate your passion for food and your leadership abilities in a hands-on way.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the interview! Research ESS and their operations at RAF Cosford. Knowing their menu planning and food safety standards will show you’re serious about the role and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Site Executive Chef in Albrighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that spark that makes you a great fit for our team.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Site Executive Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've developed and inspired others in previous roles. We value strong leaders who can motivate their teams!
Be Specific About Your Experience: We’re looking for someone with proven experience in high-volume, multi-kitchen environments. Be specific about your past roles and responsibilities, especially those that align with our needs at RAF Cosford. The more detail, the better!
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Site Executive Chef, you'll be expected to lead menu planning. Familiarise yourself with the current offerings and think about how you can enhance them. Bring ideas to the table that align with ESS frameworks and customer needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams, especially in high-volume settings. Share specific examples of how you've developed talent and inspired your team in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to manage a team of around 15 chefs effectively.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on HACCP, food safety, and allergen management protocols. Be ready to explain how you ensure compliance in your kitchens. This knowledge is crucial for maintaining food quality and safety standards at RAF Cosford.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cost Management
Since driving GP, labour, and food cost targets is part of the role, prepare to talk about your experience with budgeting and food costing. Have examples ready that showcase your ability to manage costs while maintaining quality.