Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious food experiences and oversee menu changes.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, a leader in food service for Defence and other sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible shifts, career progression, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Bring your culinary passion to a role that values individuality and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant culinary qualifications and experience in a similar role.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and promote an inclusive workplace for all.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We\’re currently recruiting an ambitious Chef to help us create exceptional food experiences for Defence on a full-time basis, contracted to 40 hours per week. As a Chef, you will be responsible for preparing and serving food that brightens our clients\’ and customers\’ days, within the market-leading food service company in the UK. You will have opportunities to progress within a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards employees who go beyond the plate.
Here\’s an idea of what your shift patterns will be: Variable shifts.
Could you bring your passion and culinary skill to Defence? Here\’s what you need to know before applying:
Your Key Responsibilities Will Include
- Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights our clients and customers
- Overseeing and implementing menu changes
- Identifying opportunities to improve our food services
- Listening and acting on customer feedback to improve our food services
- Supporting the creation of new menus and food concepts
- Representing Defence and maintaining a positive brand image
- Monitoring inventories to keep kitchens well-stocked
- Maintaining hygiene standards through kitchen cleaning responsibilities
- Ensuring compliance with Food Handling, Hygiene, and Health & Safety regulations
Our Ideal Chef Will
- Be passionate about great-tasting food and customer service
- Hold a City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent
- Have experience supervising a team
- Have experience in a similar Chef role
- Hold a Food Hygiene certificate
- Be flexible in working approaches
Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS supports Defence, Government, and Energy sectors, serving over 250 UK military establishments, police, secure environments, government sites, and offshore facilities. We value friendly faces and excellent customer service at all levels.
Job Reference: com/1306/79185001/52363895/BU #Defence
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves and has equal opportunities to advance. We celebrate diversity and aim to create a culture where all team members feel valued, empowered, and able to thrive.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Chef 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 Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Showcase your culinary passion during the interview. Be prepared to discuss your favourite dishes and how you create exceptional food experiences. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Defence's values and mission. Understanding their focus on customer service and quality will help you align your answers with what they are looking for in a Chef.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with menu changes and customer feedback. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully implemented changes that improved food services, as this is a key responsibility of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to talk about your leadership skills. Since the role involves supervising a team, share instances where you've effectively led a kitchen team or trained new staff, showcasing your ability to foster a positive working environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your culinary skills and relevant experience. Emphasise any supervisory roles you've held and your qualifications, such as the City & Guilds or NVQ certifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and customer service. Mention specific experiences where you improved food services or created new menus, and express your enthusiasm for working with Defence.
Highlight Compliance Knowledge: Since the role requires adherence to Food Handling, Hygiene, and Health & Safety regulations, make sure to mention your Food Hygiene certificate and any relevant training in your application.
Showcase Flexibility: In your application, highlight your flexibility in working approaches. Mention any experience you have with variable shifts or adapting to different kitchen environments, as this is important for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
During the interview, express your love for cooking and how it drives you to create exceptional food experiences. Share specific examples of dishes you've created that delighted customers, as this will demonstrate your passion and creativity.
✨Discuss Menu Innovation
Be prepared to talk about your experience with menu changes and how you've successfully implemented new concepts in previous roles. Highlight any feedback you've received from customers and how you've used it to improve food services.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Skills
Since the role involves supervising a team, share your leadership experiences. Discuss how you've motivated your team, handled challenges, and ensured high standards in the kitchen, showcasing your ability to lead effectively.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Hygiene Standards
Make sure to highlight your understanding of food hygiene and safety regulations. Be ready to discuss how you maintain cleanliness in the kitchen and ensure compliance with health standards, as this is crucial for the role.
