At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create delicious meals for military personnel and special events.
- Company: Join ESS, part of Compass Group, serving the Defence sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible shifts, and great discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by delivering high-quality meals in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 36000 € per year.
Location: Beachley Barracks
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (rotating shifts, 5 days over 7)
Salary: £36,000 per annum
Additional Hours: Occasional evenings and weekends during seasonal functions and events
About the Role
ESS is seeking a Head Chef to lead operations across two kitchens at Beachley Barracks. You will be responsible for delivering high-quality meals for around 30 personnel daily, with numbers increasing during seasonal functions and special events.
As Head Chef, you will lead a small team of 3 staff, managing rotas, shift patterns, and daily kitchen operations to ensure smooth service and consistent delivery of nutritious, well-presented meals.
Meal Service Times:
- Breakfast: 07:00 - 07:45
- Lunch: 12:30 - 13:15
- Evening Meal: 19:00 - 19:45
Shift Patterns:
- Early Shift: 06:00 - 14:00
- Late Shift: 12:30 - 20:00
You will work a mixture of early and late shifts throughout the week, Monday to Sunday (5 days out of 7), with flexibility to support seasonal functions and special events.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 3 kitchen staff, ensuring high standards of professionalism and teamwork.
- Oversee daily kitchen operations across two kitchens, including meal preparation, service, and presentation.
- Plan and manage staff rotas to meet service demands.
- Prepare, cook, and present a variety of dishes to consistently high standards.
- Deliver catering for seasonal events and special functions.
- Manage ordering, stock control, and minimise food waste.
- Ensure full compliance with all food hygiene, health, and safety standards.
About You
You are an experienced culinary professional with proven experience in a Head Chef or similar senior role. You thrive in a dynamic, small-team environment and have the ability to manage multiple kitchens effectively.
You will:
- Have previous experience in a similar role (essential).
- Hold relevant catering qualifications (desirable).
- Demonstrate excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
- Be flexible and adaptable to meet operational needs.
- Be passionate about delivering high-quality, seasonal meals.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary: £36,000 per hour.
- Rotating shifts with early/late patterns for flexibility.
- Opportunities for additional hours during seasonal events.
- Supportive, team-focused work environment.
- A professional role within a respected defence catering operation.
- Comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Contributory pension scheme
- 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
- Free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
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.
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!
Head Chef in Chepstow employer: ESS
At ESS, located within the unique environment of Beachley Barracks, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values teamwork and professional growth. As a Head Chef, you will lead a dedicated team in delivering high-quality meals while enjoying a supportive work culture, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes career development opportunities and exclusive discounts. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a respected defence catering operation where your culinary skills can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Chepstow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your culinary contacts and let them know you're on the lookout for a Head Chef role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings 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 not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to places you’d love to work at, like Beachley Barracks. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your LinkedIn profile with your latest achievements and connect with industry professionals. Also, check out our website for any openings and apply directly – it’s the best way to get noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Chepstow
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. Share specific examples of dishes you've created and how you've led a team in the kitchen. We want to see your passion for high-quality meals!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their experience with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experience. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can manage multiple kitchens effectively, so clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with a variety of dishes that you could potentially serve. Research seasonal ingredients and be ready to discuss how you would incorporate them into your menu. This shows your passion for high-quality meals and your ability to adapt to changing demands.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, leading a team is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed your kitchen staff in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to managing rotas and ensuring smooth operations, especially during busy periods or special events.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Prowess
Highlight your experience in managing multiple kitchens and overseeing daily operations. Discuss how you handle stock control and minimise food waste. Being organised is key in this role, so share specific strategies you’ve used to keep everything running smoothly.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Hygiene Standards
Food hygiene and safety are paramount in any kitchen. Be prepared to talk about your knowledge of health and safety regulations and how you ensure compliance in your kitchen. This will reassure the interviewers that you take these responsibilities seriously and can maintain high standards.
