Chef

Compass Group UK & Ireland; Cranwell; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering services provider in Cranwell is seeking an experienced Chef to join their team. You will prepare and serve high-quality meals for military personnel in a structured environment. The ideal candidate will have previous cooking experience, a relevant qualification, and strong knowledge of food hygiene. Benefits include a competitive hourly wage, free meals while on shift, and career development opportunities. Flexibility for early and late shifts is essential.

Benefits

Free meals while on shift

Free on-site parking

Uniform provided

Career development opportunities

Subsidised gym membership

Digital GP access

Exclusive travel discounts

Discounts on groceries

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards for spending

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar chef or catering role is essential.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene and health & safety standards is necessary.
• Ability to work well as part of a team in a structured environment is required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve fresh, nutritious meals across breakfast, lunch, and evening services.
• Ensure consistent food quality and excellent service for Service Personnel.
• Work collaboratively in a fast-paced military catering environment.

Skills

Knowledge of food hygiene, health & safety standards

Ability to work as part of a team

Flexibility to work early and late shifts

Education

Relevant qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 2)

Job description

Chef – RAF Cranwell (ESS – Compass Group)

Location: RAF Cranwell
Pay Rate: £14.35 per hour
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Full-time, site-based
Shift Pattern: 5 days over 7 (Early & Late shifts)

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Chef to join our catering team at RAF Cranwell, delivering high‑quality meals to around 180 Service Personnel each day.

You will play a key role in preparing and serving fresh, nutritious meals across breakfast, lunch, and evening service, working as part of a dedicated team of 8 in a fast‑paced military catering environment.

Shift Pattern

• Early Shift: 06:00 – 14:00

• Late Shift: 12:00 – 20:00

• 5 days out of 7

Meal Service Times

• Breakfast: 06:00 – 08:00

• Lunch: 12:00 – 13:00

• Evening Meal: 18:30 – 20:00

The Team

You’ll be part of a well‑structured catering team of 8, working collaboratively to ensure consistent food quality and excellent service for Service Personnel.

What We’re Looking For

✅ Previous experience in a similar chef or catering role – essential
🎓 Relevant qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 2 or equivalent) – desirable
🍽 Strong knowledge of food hygiene, health & safety standards
🤝 Ability to work well as part of a team in a structured environment
⏱ Reliable, flexible, and able to work early and late shifts

What We Offer

✨ £14.35 per hour (37.5 hours per week)
🍴 Free meals while on shift
🚗 Free on‑site parking
👕 Uniform provided
📈 Career development and training opportunities with ESS – Compass Group
🤍 Supportive team culture within a stable, secure site

We ensure you’re rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Free meals
• Onsite free car parking
• Subsidised gym membership
• 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
• Un‑wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

Please note: This role is contracted to weeks per year

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.

Job Reference: com/0801/95096001/52781058/SU #Defence

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!