Chef

Compass Group UK; Shefford; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Career Pathways and MyLearning

Digital GP access and wider healthcare

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I is seeking an ambitious Chef to support Defence with a full-time role of 37.5 hours per week. You will prepare and serve high-quality food, lead kitchen activities, and help create menus while ensuring top hygiene standards.

This position offers opportunities to progress within a market-leading food-service company in the UK. The ideal candidate will have City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent, a Food Hygiene certificate, and experience supervising a team in a similar chef

Qualifications

• Certification in food hygiene and safety.
• Proven experience supervising a kitchen team.
• Experience in a similar chef role in a catering environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality food for clients and customers.
• Oversee and implement menu changes.
• Identify opportunities to improve food services.
• Listen to customer feedback to improve service.
• Assist in creating new menus and concepts.
• Represent Defence and maintain brand image.
• Monitor inventories to keep kitchens stocked.
• Oversee kitchen cleaning to maintain hygiene.
• Comply with Food Hygiene, Health and Safety regulations.

Skills

Team supervision

Similar chef role

Food hygiene certificate

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent

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 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 be 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.

Shift pattern: 5 out of 7 days.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 service
• Supporting 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

Ideal Chef

• Passionate about great‑tasting food and exceptional customer service
• Holds a City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent certification
• Has experience supervising a team
• Has experience in a similar Chef role
• Holds a Food Hygiene certificate
• Has a flexible approach to working

Benefits

• Contributory pension scheme
• Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes for career growth
• Digital GP access for you and your immediate family, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Discounts on groceries at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and others
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets for blockbusters
• Cash rewards for spending that can be used on a wide range of brands
• Free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• Option to share discounts and offers with friends and family

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!