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- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team to create fresh, high-quality meals for military personnel.
- Company: Join Compass Group, a leader in food and beverage services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career growth, and exclusive discounts on travel and shopping.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by delivering excellent food and inspiring your team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for professional development and wellness classes.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Join to apply for the Head Chef role at ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services.
Salary: £15.61 per hour
Hours: 40 Hours per week – Predominantly Monday to Friday with occasional weekends
Shift pattern: Early shift 7am to 2.30pm and late shift 10am to 8.30pm
As a Head Chef with Compass Group, you’ll lead a talented kitchen team delivering fresh, high‑quality meals to military personnel and staff. You’ll oversee all aspects of kitchen operations – from daily service to event catering – ensuring every plate meets our high standards. You’ll manage a team of 7 and play a key role in creating a positive, professional kitchen environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 7 to deliver excellent food and service
- Plan, prepare, and present fresh, nutritious meals for daily and special events
- Manage ordering, stock control, and food waste reduction
- Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health, and safety standards
- Support smooth day‑to‑day operations and effective scheduling
- Inspire a culture of teamwork, pride, and culinary creativity
About You:
You’re an experienced, hands‑on Head Chef who thrives under pressure and leads by example.
You Will:
- Have previous experience in a Head Chef or similar role (essential)
- Hold relevant catering qualifications (e.g. NVQ, City & Guilds – desirable)
- Be confident managing a large, diverse team in a fast‑paced environment
- Show strong leadership, organisation, and communication skills
- Be passionate about delivering high‑quality, seasonal food
- Be flexible to work a mixture of early and late shifts, including weekends
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
- Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
About Us:
As part of Compass you’ll 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.
Head Chef in Coventry 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 Head Chef in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the culinary world and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head Chef role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opening or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or a pop-up kitchen to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gives potential employers a taste of what you can do but also demonstrates your passion and creativity in the 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 – it’s the best way to get noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience as a Head Chef. Share specific examples of how you've led a kitchen team and delivered high-quality meals. We want to see your passion for food and leadership shine through!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Mention your relevant qualifications and experience that align with our expectations at Compass Group. It shows us you’re genuinely interested!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff without unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
✨Know Your Culinary Skills
Brush up on your culinary techniques and be ready to discuss your experience in leading a kitchen. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've managed a team, planned menus, and ensured high-quality food service.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, your leadership is key. Think about how you motivate and develop your team. During the interview, share stories that highlight your ability to inspire teamwork and creativity in a fast-paced environment.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Make sure you're well-versed in food hygiene, health, and safety regulations. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen and any strategies you've implemented for food waste reduction.
✨Be Flexible and Adaptable
The role requires flexibility with shifts, so be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to work early and late shifts, including weekends. Show that you can handle pressure and adapt to changing circumstances in the kitchen.
