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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious meals and oversee menu changes to delight customers.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, a leader in food services for Defence and government sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for career progression and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values individuality and exceptional customer service.
- Qualifications: Must have culinary qualifications and experience in a similar role.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with a focus on hygiene and safety standards.
We're currently recruiting an ambitious Chef to help us create exceptional food experiences for Defence on a full time basis contracted to 37.5 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 get 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.
Here's an idea of what your shift patterns will be: 5 out of 7 days.
Could you bring your passion and culinary skill to Defence? Here's what you need to know before applying:
- 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 and 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 employer: ESS
Contact Detail:
ESS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific culinary style and preferences of Defence. Research their past menus and customer feedback to understand what delights their clients, which will help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully supervised a team in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you can motivate and inspire others in a kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your adaptability and flexibility in your discussions. Given the nature of the role, being able to adjust to changing circumstances and menu requirements is crucial, so share relevant experiences that demonstrate this.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your commitment to food hygiene and safety standards. Be ready to explain how you ensure compliance in your kitchen practices, as this is a key aspect of the role at Defence.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your culinary skills and relevant experience. Emphasise any previous roles where you prepared high-quality food, supervised a team, or implemented menu changes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and customer service. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to create exceptional food experiences and how you align with the company's values.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications such as City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent, along with your Food Hygiene certificate. This will show that you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Showcase Your Creativity: If you have experience in creating new menus or innovative food concepts, be sure to include this in your application. Providing examples of your creativity can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and creating exceptional food experiences. Share specific examples of dishes you've prepared that delighted customers, as this will demonstrate your passion and commitment to quality.
✨Highlight Your Team Leadership Skills
Since the role involves supervising a team, be prepared to discuss your experience in leading kitchen staff. Share instances where you successfully managed a team, resolved conflicts, or improved team performance.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Hygiene Standards
Familiarise yourself with food handling and hygiene regulations, as these are crucial in any kitchen environment. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance with these standards in your previous roles.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Menu Innovations
The job requires creativity in menu planning and implementation. Prepare to talk about any new dishes or concepts you've introduced in past positions, and how you gathered and acted on customer feedback to enhance the dining experience.
