Chef — Menu Innovator & Team Leader (40h/wk)

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services; Upavon; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Career development

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness classes

Family discounts

Job summary

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services, part of Compass Group UK&I, is recruiting a Chef for Defence contracts to deliver high-quality meals to clients within a 40-hour week. You will oversee food preparation, menu changes and ensure hygiene standards in a fast-paced environment.

The role emphasises customer-focused service, menu development, and collaboration with site teams. A professional food safety qualification and leadership experience are desirable, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent.
• Food Hygiene certificate.
• Experience supervising a team.
• Experience in a similar Chef role.

Responsibilities

• Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights clients and customers.
• Overseeing and implementing menu changes.
• Identifying opportunities to improve food services.
• Listening and acting on customer feedback to improve services.
• Supporting creation of new menus and creative food concepts.
• Representing Defence and maintaining a positive brand image.
• Monitoring inventories to keep kitchens well-stocked.
• Overseeing kitchen cleaning to maintain hygiene standards.
• Complying with Food Handling, Hygiene and Health and Safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership experience

Chef experience

Food safety knowledge

Team supervision

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent

Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services, part of Compass Group UK&I, is recruiting a Chef for Defence contracts to deliver high-quality meals to clients within a 40-hour week. You will oversee food preparation, menu changes and ensure hygiene standards in a fast-paced environment.

The role emphasises customer-focused service, menu development, and collaboration with site teams. A professional food safety qualification and leadership experience are desirable, with opportunities for