Chef Manager

Medirest; Marten; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Career Pathways and MyLearning

Digital GP and wider healthcare

Exclusive travel discounts

Food shop discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards program

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Discounts for friends & family

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead a kitchen team delivering fresh, high-quality meals to military personnel and staff. You’ll oversee all aspects of kitchen operations—from daily service to events—ensuring every plate meets our high standards.

We value hands-on leadership, strong organisation, and a passion for seasonal menus. You’ll manage a large diverse team, plan and present meals, control stock, and ensure food hygiene and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Head Chef or equivalent role is essential.
• Ability to lead a large, diverse kitchen team under pressure.
• Strong organisational and communication skills for fast-paced service.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a kitchen team to deliver excellent food and service.
• Plan, prepare, and present fresh, nutritious meals for daily and events.
• Manage ordering, stock control, and reduce food waste.
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health and safety standards.
• Support smooth day-to-day operations and effective scheduling.
• Inspire a culture of teamwork, pride, and culinary creativity.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Team leadership

Leadership and communication

Passion for seasonal food

Education

Catering qualifications

Job description

Hours: 35 Hours per week

As a Chef Manager with Compass Group, you’ll lead a talented kitchen team delivering fresh, high-quality meals to military personnel and staff. You’ll oversee all aspects of kitchen operations — from daily service to event catering — ensuring every plate meets our high standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team to deliver excellent food and service
• Plan, prepare, and present fresh, nutritious meals for daily and special events
• Manage ordering, stock control, and food waste reduction
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health, and safety standards
• Support smooth day-to-day operations and effective scheduling
• Inspire a culture of teamwork, pride, and culinary creativity

About You

You’re an experienced, hands-on Chef Manager who thrives under pressure and leads by example.

You Will

• Have previous experience in a Head Chef or similar role (essential)
• Hold relevant catering qualifications (e.g. NVQ, City & Guilds – desirable)
• Be confident managing a large, diverse team in a fast-paced environment
• Show strong leadership, organisation, and communication skills
• Be passionate about delivering high-quality, seasonal food
• Be flexible to work a mixture of early and late shifts, including weekends

Benefits

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Job Reference: com/0809/44095001/52817713/SU #White Oaks

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!