Chef – NEXT Pontefract

Compass Group UK & Ireland; Pontefract; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking an experienced Chef to lead operations at NEXT Pontefract. This role involves culinary leadership and managing a kitchen team, ensuring food quality and compliance with health standards. Successful candidates will have a strong background in high-volume catering and excellent leadership skills. Benefits include holidays, training opportunities, and a supportive work-life balance.

Benefits

28 days holiday including Bank Holidays

Free onsite parking

Free meals while on shift

Pension and life assurance

Lifestyle, retail, and wellbeing discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef within a high-volume catering environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage teams effectively.
• Excellent knowledge of fresh food preparation and menu development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and delivery of fresh, seasonal menus.
• Coach and develop the kitchen team, supporting recruitment and training.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership skills

Food safety knowledge

Menu development

Cost control

Team management

Job description

Chef – NEXT Pontefract

Employer: Eurest (Part of Compass Group)

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Shift Pattern: Day shift 07:00 – 15:30

Working Pattern: 5/7 shift pattern

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Chef to lead our catering operation at NEXT Pontefract. This is a high-profile, fast-paced contract delivering fresh, seasonal food across multiple dayparts to a large on‑site workforce.

You will be responsible for driving food quality, operational excellence, and team development while supporting the Chef Manager in the day‑to‑day running of the contract. This is an excellent opportunity for a strong kitchen leader looking to progress within a global organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Culinary Leadership: Lead the preparation and delivery of fresh, seasonal menus across breakfast, lunch, coffee shop, tea shift, and night shift operations.
• Team Management: Lead, coach, and develop the kitchen team, supporting recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Operational Support: Deputise for the Chef Manager as required, ensuring the smooth running of the contract in their absence.
• Food Safety & Compliance: Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, allergen controls, health & safety, and company standards.
• Quality & Standards: Maintain consistently high food quality, presentation, and service standards.
• Cost & Stock Control: Support ordering, stock management, waste control, and cost management in line with budgetary targets.

About You

• Proven experience as a Chef within a high-volume catering environment
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage teams effectively
• Excellent knowledge of fresh food preparation, menu development, and production planning
• Strong understanding of food safety, allergens, and H&S legislation
• Commercially aware with experience supporting cost control and waste reduction
• Calm, organised, and adaptable in a fast-paced operational setting

What We Offer

• 28 days holiday including Bank Holidays
• Opportunity to purchase additional holiday
• Excellent work‑life balance with structured shift patterns
• Free onsite parking
• Free meals while on shift
• Bespoke training and development opportunities
• Clear career progression within Compass Group
• Friend referral bonus
• Pension and life assurance
• Lifestyle, retail, and wellbeing discounts
• Employee Assistance Programme

About Eurest

Eurest is a leader in workplace catering and part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, operating across more than 700 workplace locations. We are passionate about delivering food that fuels performance while supporting sustainability and responsible sourcing. Our ambition is to achieve net zero by 2030, and we are committed to developing our people to be the best in the