Chef

Chartwells Independent; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food service company in the UK is seeking a dedicated Chef to join their Defence team on a full-time basis. The role involves preparing high-quality meals, overseeing kitchen operations, and contributing to menu innovation. Ideal candidates will have relevant culinary qualifications, supervisory experience, and a passion for exceptional service. This position offers opportunities for career progression in a supportive environment that values diversity and individual contributions.

Qualifications

• Experience in supervising a kitchen team.
• Understanding of Food Handling, Hygiene and Health and Safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality food that delights clients.
• Implement menu changes and identify service improvements.
• Monitor inventory to ensure kitchens are well-stocked.
• Comply with hygiene standards and health regulations.

Skills

Passion for great-tasting food

Exceptional customer service

Supervisory experience

Experience in a similar role

Flexible working approach

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 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 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.

Job Reference: com/0511/94627001/52379915/R/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!