Chef

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services; Swindon; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services in Swindon is seeking an ambitious Chef to join our defence-focused catering team on a full-time contract of 36.25 hours per week. You will prepare and serve high-quality meals, support menu development, and ensure compliance with hygiene standards in a fast-paced environment.

You’ll work a 5-out-of-7 shift pattern and contribute to delivering exceptional food experiences for Defence clients and customers across the site.

Qualifications

• Experience supervising a team in a high-volume kitchen.
• Hold a Food Hygiene certificate.
• Proven track record in a similar Chef role.
• Flexible approach to working hours.

Responsibilities

• Preparing high-quality food for clients and customers.
• Overseeing and implementing menu changes.
• Identifying opportunities to improve food services.
• Listening to customer feedback to drive improvements.
• Supporting creation of new menus and concepts.
• Representing Defence and maintaining a positive brand image.
• Monitoring inventories and stock levels.
• Ensuring kitchen hygiene and safety compliance.

Skills

Team leadership

Food Hygiene

Chef experience

Food preparation

Flexible working

Education

Culinary training

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 36.25 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.

Here's an idea of what your shift patterns will be: 5 out of 7 days

Please note: This role is contracted to weeks per year

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/1409/78304009/52817688/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!