At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team and deliver high-quality meals to military personnel.
- Company: Join a leading contract catering business in a structured Defence environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, discounts, and wellness classes.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for career development await you!
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your culinary career in a supportive setting.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Chef Manager with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 37615 - 37615 £ per year.
Salary: £37,615 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week (primarily Monday–Friday)
Shift Pattern: Early starts from 05:00 – approx. 14:00. Additional hours and occasional weekends required to support operational delays.
About the Role
We’re looking for a strong, reliable, and committed Chef Manager to lead the catering operation at CHC Scotia. This is a great opportunity for a hands‑on chef who thrives in a structured Defence environment and is confident running a kitchen with a small team. You’ll take full ownership of the kitchen, leading from the front and ensuring the consistent delivery of high‑quality meals to military personnel, while maintaining excellent standards across food, safety, and service.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Managing the day‑to‑day running of the kitchen as the lead on site
- Preparing and delivering fresh, high‑quality meals across breakfast and lunch service
- Leading and supporting a small team, including 1 part‑time front‑of‑house team member
- Managing stock control, ordering, and minimising waste
- Creating efficient rotas and ensuring smooth service delivery
- Maintaining excellent food hygiene, health & safety, and compliance standards
- Being flexible to support additional requirements, including delays and occasional weekend cover
- Setting high standards and ensuring consistency across all aspects of the operation
What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience as a Head Chef or Chef Manager in a similar environment
- Strong, self‑sufficient individual who can confidently run a site with minimal supervision
- Reliable, committed, and adaptable to operational needs
- Solid experience with stock counts, ordering, and kitchen administration
- Proven ability to manage small teams and lead from the front
- Comfortable working early starts and flexible hours when required
- Experience in Defence or contract catering (desirable)
What’s On Offer
- Salary of £37,615 per annum
- Monday to Friday working pattern with early finishes
- Opportunity for additional hours
- Stable, structured role within a Defence environment
- Career development within a leading contract catering business
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
- 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
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 Manager in Westhill employer: ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
At Compass Group UK&I, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a stable and structured role as a Chef Manager within a Defence environment. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes, alongside a supportive work culture that values diversity and empowers individuals to thrive. With competitive benefits including a contributory pension scheme, healthcare access, and exclusive discounts, we ensure our team members feel valued and motivated in their roles.
Contact Details:
ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Westhill
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and hospitality industry. You never know who might have a lead on a Chef Manager position 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 hands-on approach can really impress potential employers and give them a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready to adapt! The catering world is fast-paced, especially in a Defence environment. Highlight your ability to manage unexpected changes and maintain high standards under pressure during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager in Westhill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you in the kitchen. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but someone who genuinely enjoys creating high-quality meals.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Chef Manager, you'll be leading a small team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've successfully managed teams in the past and how you plan to inspire and support your colleagues at CHC Scotia.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Tailor your application by including specific examples of your previous roles, especially in similar environments. Mention any experience with stock control, kitchen administration, or working in Defence or contract catering – it’ll help us see you as a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
✨Know Your Kitchen Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary skills and be ready to discuss your experience managing a kitchen. Think about specific examples where you led a team or improved service quality. This will show that you’re not just a chef but a leader who can take ownership of the kitchen.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
Since the role requires early starts and occasional weekend work, be prepared to discuss your availability and adaptability. Share past experiences where you’ve successfully managed unexpected changes or challenges in your schedule, highlighting your commitment to the job.
✨Showcase Your Stock Management Skills
Stock control is crucial in this role, so come equipped with examples of how you've effectively managed inventory and minimised waste in previous positions. Discuss any systems or processes you’ve implemented to ensure efficiency and compliance with health and safety standards.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership
As a Chef Manager, leading a small team is key. Be ready to talk about your leadership style and how you motivate and support your team. Share anecdotes that illustrate your ability to foster a positive working environment and maintain high standards across all aspects of kitchen operations.
