Chef in Poole

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create exceptional food experiences and oversee menu changes for Defence clients.
  • Company: Join ESS, a leading food service company in the UK.
  • Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for career progression and recognition.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by delighting customers with delicious, high-quality food.
  • Qualifications: Passionate about food, with relevant qualifications and supervisory experience.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values individuality and growth.

Join to apply for the Chef role at ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services. We are currently recruiting an ambitious Chef to help us create exceptional food experiences for Defence on a full‑time basis, contracted to 35 hours per week.

As a Chef, you will be responsible for preparing and serving the kind of food that truly brightens our clients' and customers' days, all within the market‑leading food service company in the UK. You'll be given every opportunity to progress within a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.

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 consistently improve our food services
  • Supporting with the creation of new menus and creative food concepts
  • Representing Defence and maintaining a positive brand image
  • Monitoring inventories to keep our kitchens well‑stocked
  • Overseeing kitchen cleaning responsibilities to maintain hygiene standards
  • Complying with Food Handling, Hygiene and Health & Safety regulations

Our Ideal Chef Will:

  • Be passionate about great‑tasting food and exceptional 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
  • Have a flexible approach to working

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.

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential and to thrive – because diversity is our strength!

Chef in Poole employer: ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services

At ESS, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the food service industry, particularly within the Defence sector. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our investment in training and development, ensuring that every Chef has the opportunity to advance their career while working in a supportive and inclusive environment. With a focus on exceptional food experiences and a culture that celebrates individuality, joining our team means becoming part of a community that values your contributions and encourages you to thrive.
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Contact Detail:

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Chef in Poole

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, join culinary groups on social media, and attend 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! Create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and any menu innovations you've contributed to. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising common chef-related questions. Think about how you can demonstrate your passion for food and customer service. Remember, it’s all about showing them you’re the perfect fit for their team!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Poole

Food Preparation
Menu Development
Customer Service
Team Supervision
Food Hygiene
Health & Safety Compliance
Inventory Management
Creativity in Food Concepts
Attention to Detail
Flexibility in Working Hours
Communication Skills
Passion for Culinary Arts

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for great-tasting food shine through! Share any experiences or stories that highlight your culinary journey and how you create exceptional food experiences.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Chef role. Mention your relevant qualifications, like your City & Guilds or NVQ, and any experience you have in similar roles to stand out.

Highlight Teamwork Skills: Since you'll be overseeing a team, it's important to showcase your leadership skills. Talk about times you've successfully supervised a team or collaborated with others to improve food services.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on the path to joining our fantastic team!

How to prepare for a job interview at ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services

Know Your Ingredients

Before the interview, brush up on your culinary knowledge. Be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients, cooking techniques, and how you can use them to create exceptional dishes. This shows your passion for food and helps you connect with the interviewers.

Showcase Your Creativity

Prepare to talk about your experience with menu changes and new food concepts. Bring examples of past menus you've created or innovative dishes you've prepared. This will demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and contribute to their culinary offerings.

Customer Service is Key

Since this role involves delivering excellent customer service, be ready to share specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in previous roles. Highlight your ability to listen to feedback and adapt your cooking style to meet client needs.

Hygiene Matters

Familiarise yourself with food hygiene regulations and be prepared to discuss how you maintain high standards in the kitchen. Mention any relevant certifications you hold, like your Food Hygiene certificate, to show you're serious about safety and cleanliness.

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