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- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver high-quality meals for 300 service personnel daily.
- Company: Join ESS, part of Compass Group UK&I, serving the defence sector.
- Benefits: Earn £16.35 per hour, enjoy free meals, and access exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a structured kitchen environment with career growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Previous Head Chef experience and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with reduced workload during holidays and wellness classes available.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 51000 £ per year.
Location: HMS Collingwood, Fareham
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £16.35 per hour
Working Pattern: 5 days over 7, with occasional weekends required for seasonal functions
About The Role
ESS is recruiting a Head Chef at HMS Collingwood, responsible for delivering high‑quality catering services to approximately 300 service personnel daily. This is a busy, structured catering environment with a reduced workload during holiday periods, offering a balanced and rewarding role. You will lead and manage a team of 6, with 6 direct reports, ensuring smooth kitchen operations, consistent food quality, and excellent service across all meal periods. The role requires strong leadership, organisation, and the ability to operate confidently in a high‑volume setting.
Meal Service Times
- Breakfast: 06:30 – 08:30
- Lunch: 11:30 – 13:30
- Evening Meal: 17:30 – 19:30
Shift Patterns
- Early Shift: 05:30 – 13:30
- Late Shift: 11:00 – 19:00
A working week will be a mixture of early and late shifts.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and manage a team of 6 kitchen staff, fostering a professional and positive working environment.
- Take full responsibility for daily kitchen operations, food preparation, and service delivery.
- Plan menus and ensure meals are nutritious, well‑presented, and delivered on time.
- Manage staff rotas, attendance, and performance.
- Deliver catering for seasonal functions and special events when required.
- Control ordering, stock management, and food waste.
- Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health, and safety regulations.
- Use catering and rota systems effectively — computer literacy is essential.
About You
You are a confident, organised, and experienced culinary professional with a strong leadership style and the ability to manage a busy kitchen operation.
You Will
- Have previous experience in a Head Chef or similar senior role (essential).
- Hold relevant catering qualifications (desirable).
- Be computer literate and comfortable using digital systems.
- Demonstrate excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Be flexible to support occasional weekend and seasonal event work.
What We Offer
- Competitive pay at £16.35 per hour.
- Free parking on site.
- Free meal provided on shift.
- Uniform supplied.
- Reduced workload during holiday periods.
- A stable, professional role within a respected defence catering organisation.
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.
Head Chef in Fareham 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 Fareham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, whether it's through social media or local events. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Head Chef position.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and kitchen management experiences. A visual representation of your work can really make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its values. Understand what ESS stands for and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your answers to reflect their goals and culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the ESS team at HMS Collingwood.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Fareham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience as a Head Chef or in a similar role. We want to see how you've led teams and managed busy kitchen operations, so don’t hold back on those tasty details!
Be Organised and Clear: Your application should reflect your strong organisational skills. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance. A well-structured application speaks volumes about your ability to manage a kitchen!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role at HMS Collingwood. Mention how your skills align with our needs, like managing food hygiene and delivering high-quality meals. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their experience with what we’re looking for!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research and think about menu ideas that would suit a military catering environment. Be ready to discuss how you would plan nutritious and appealing meals for around 300 service personnel daily.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate staff, manage performance, and create a positive working atmosphere, as these are key aspects of the Head Chef role.
✨Understand Kitchen Operations
Brush up on your knowledge of kitchen operations, including stock management and food hygiene regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance and efficiency in a busy kitchen setting.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about how you would handle high-pressure situations, such as managing a busy service or dealing with unexpected staff absences, and be ready to share your strategies.
