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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team to create fresh, high-quality meals for military personnel.
- Company: Join ESS, part of Compass Group, supporting UK military and government services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, gym discounts, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by delivering excellent food in a dynamic kitchen environment.
- Qualifications: Previous Head Chef experience and relevant catering qualifications are essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with a supportive team culture and great employee discounts.
The predicted salary is between 33800 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Brecon Camp, Wales
Hours: 40 hours per week (5 over 7 – mix of earlies and lates)
Pay: £16.25 per hour
Contract Type: Full‑time, Permanent
Shift Patterns:
- Early: 05:30 – 14:00
- Late: 10:30 – 19:00 (Includes a 30‑minute unpaid break)
About the Role
As Head Chef with ESS at Brecon Camp, 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 14, including 7 direct reports, and play a key role in creating a positive, professional kitchen environment.
Meal Service Times
Monday to Friday
- Breakfast: 06:00 – 07:00
- Lunch: 12:15 – 13:30
- Evening Meal: 17:00 – 18:30
Weekends
- Breakfast: 07:00 – 08:00
- Lunch: 12:15 – 13:00
- Evening Meal: 16:45 – 17:30
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 14 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
- 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
What We Offer
- £16.25 per hour
- 40‑hour working week (5 over 7)
- Uniform provided
- Free meal on duty
- Free on‑site parking
- Subsidised gym membership
- Located on a bus route – easy to reach
- Career progression within ESS and Compass Group
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
- 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 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, culinary schools, or even local food events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a video showcasing your cooking techniques. This can really set you apart from other candidates when you’re in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its values. At StudySmarter, we believe that knowing the ins and outs of ESS will help you align your passion for high-quality food with their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Brecon Camp.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
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 similar roles. We want to see how you've led teams and delivered high-quality meals, so don’t hold back on those tasty details!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read through the job description and match your skills with what we’re looking for. If you’ve got relevant qualifications or experience managing a diverse team, let us know – it’ll make your application stand out!
Be Yourself: We love personality! Don’t be afraid to let your passion for food and leadership shine through in your application. Share your culinary journey and what inspires you to create amazing dishes for our military personnel.
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of meals that are typically served at Brecon Camp. Research seasonal ingredients and be ready to discuss how you would incorporate them into your menu. This shows your passion for high-quality food and your ability to innovate.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a diverse team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This will demonstrate your strong leadership and communication skills.
✨Discuss Food Safety and Hygiene
Be prepared to talk about your experience with food hygiene and safety standards. Highlight any relevant qualifications you have, like NVQ or City & Guilds, and share how you ensure compliance in your kitchen. This is crucial for maintaining the high standards expected at ESS.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Teamwork
Since the role requires working a mix of early and late shifts, express your willingness to adapt to different schedules. Also, share examples of how you foster a culture of teamwork and pride in the kitchen. This will show that you’re not just a great chef, but also a great team player.
