Chef

Chartwells Independent; Shefford; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I ESS is recruiting a Chef to deliver high-quality meals for Defence on a full-time basis (35 hours per week) in the UK. The role focuses on cooking, menu development, and delivering outstanding customer service within a branded food service environment.

The ideal candidate will hold relevant food safety qualifications, have kitchen supervisory experience, and demonstrate flexibility with working hours to ensure excellent service.

Qualifications

• Must have strong cooking skills and passion for delivering high-quality food.
• Experience supervising a kitchen team is essential.
• Flexibility in working hours and shifts is expected.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards is required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve high-quality food for Defence clients.
• Oversee and implement menu changes.
• Identify opportunities to improve food services.
• Respond to customer feedback to raise service standards.
• Assist with creating new menus and concepts.
• Represent Defence and maintain a positive brand image.
• Monitor stock and inventories for kitchen planning.
• Maintain kitchen hygiene and sanitation standards.
• Comply with Food Handling, Hygiene and Health and Safety regulations.

Skills

Team supervision

Cooking skills

Customer service

Food safety

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent

Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

We're 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 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.

Could you bring your passion and culinary skill to Defence? Here's what you need to know before applying:

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 and Satefty 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.

Job Reference: com/1708/95200001/52623892/BU #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!