At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create exceptional food experiences for military personnel.
- Company: Join ESS, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, supporting the Defence sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free meals, gym membership, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your culinary leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Chef Manager with strong team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 34900 - 34900 £ per year.
Location: Brecon Camp, Wales
Hours: 40 hours per week (5 days over 7)
Salary: £34,900 per annum
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Shifts: Various shifts between 6:00am and 7:00pm, including weekends
We're looking for an experienced and passionate Chef Manager to lead our catering operation at Brecon Camp. This is a fantastic opportunity for a talented culinary professional to take ownership of a busy kitchen, inspire a dedicated team, and deliver exceptional food experiences to military personnel and staff. As Chef Manager, you'll be at the heart of the operation, driving food quality, team engagement, compliance, and innovation. From daily dining to special events, you'll ensure every service is delivered to the highest standards while creating a positive and productive working environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading, coaching, and developing a team of 14 catering professionals
- Delivering fresh, nutritious, and high-quality food across all services
- Planning menus and supporting hospitality and special event catering
- Managing stock, ordering, budgets, and waste control
- Ensuring food safety, health and safety, and compliance standards are consistently met
- Driving operational excellence and maintaining exceptional service standards
- Creating a positive team culture where people can thrive and develop
- Working closely with clients to ensure their expectations are exceeded
What We’re Looking For
We're seeking a confident leader who is passionate about food, people, and delivering outstanding results.
Essential
- Previous experience as a Head Chef, Chef Manager, or similar leadership role
- Strong team management and people development skills
- Excellent organisational and communication abilities
- Experience managing food safety, compliance, and kitchen operations
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
Desirable
- Catering qualifications such as NVQ, City & Guilds, or equivalent
- Experience within contract catering, hospitality, or large-scale catering environments
Why Join ESS?
At ESS, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, we’re proud to support the Defence sector by providing outstanding catering and support services. In return, we offer excellent benefits and genuine opportunities for career progression.
Benefits Include
- Competitive salary of £34,900 per annum
- 40-hour working week (5 over 7)
- Free meal on duty
- Uniform provided
- Free on-site parking
- Subsidised gym membership
- Convenient location on a bus route
- Access to industry-leading training and development
- Excellent career progression opportunities within ESS and Compass Group UK & Ireland
Additional Benefits
- 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.
Chef Manager in Brecon employer: ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
At ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and personal growth. Located in the UK, our full-time Kitchen Assistant role not only provides competitive benefits but also fosters an inclusive environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to delivering exceptional service. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that prioritises quality and progression in your career.
Contact Details:
ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Brecon
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
Don't be shy about reaching out to ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager in Brecon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
