Chef

Compass Group UK; Thurso; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering management company seeks a skilled Chef to join their dynamic team at Dounreay. Your role involves preparing high-quality meals, assisting with menu planning, and leading kitchen staff while maintaining exceptional hygiene standards. If you have a passion for food and a desire to grow in a supportive environment, apply today!

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Supportive and dynamic team environment

Training and development opportunities

Uniform and PPE provided

Work-life balance with a structured shift pattern

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef in a high-volume catering environment.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to work flexibly and under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook high-quality meals to meet contract specifications.
• Assist in menu planning, food costing, and stock management.
• Supervise and support kitchen staff, ensuring smooth daily operations.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Flexibility

IT Literacy

Education

NVQ Level 3

City & Guilds 706/1,2,3

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Job Advert - Chef
Location: Dounreay
Department: ESS
Reporting to: Head Chef

Are you a passionate and skilled Chef looking for your next exciting opportunity? Do you thrive in a fast-paced kitchen environment, delivering high-quality meals while maintaining exceptional hygiene and safety standards? If so, we want to hear from you!
Why Join Us?
At ESS, we provide top-tier catering services, ensuring excellence in every meal we serve. As a Chef, you will play a vital role in supporting the kitchen’s daily operations, assisting with menu planning, stock control, and food preparation while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. You will also step in for the Head Chef when required, giving you a fantastic opportunity to develop your leadership skills.
Key Responsibilities:
️ Prepare and cook high-quality meals to meet contract specifications
️ Assist in menu planning, food costing, and stock management
️ Maintain hygiene, safety, and compliance standards at all times
️ Supervise and support kitchen staff, ensuring smooth daily operations
️ Monitor and control food waste, ensuring cost efficiency
️ Ensure correct food storage, labelling, and portion control
️ Train and mentor apprentices and trainee chefs
️ Step up and take responsibility in the absence of the Head Chef
What We’re Looking For:
Passion for food and exceptional service
Proven experience as a Chef in a high-volume catering environment
NVQ Level 3 or City & Guilds 706/1,2,3 (or equivalent)
Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
Strong communication and leadership skills
Ability to work flexibly and under pressure
IT literacy and knowledge of COSHH (desirable)
What We Offer:
Competitive salary and benefits
Supportive and dynamic team environment
Training and development opportunities
Uniform and PPE provided
Work-life balance with a structured shift pattern

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and join a team that values your talent, apply today!