Defence Kitchen Lead Chef: Menu Innovation & Service

Chartwells Independent; Henlow; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I ESS Defence division is seeking an ambitious Chef to lead food service for Defence contracts. The role is full-time, 35 hours per week, with a 5-out-of-7 shift pattern, focused on preparing and serving high-quality meals that delight clients and customers.

You will oversee menu changes, supervise a kitchen team, ensure food safety compliance, and contribute to new menu concepts while maintaining a positive brand image across military and government sites.

Qualifications

• Experience supervising a kitchen team.
• Passion for great-tasting food and exceptional customer service.
• Food safety and hygiene compliance.

Responsibilities

• Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights clients and customers
• Overseeing and implementing menu changes
• Identifying opportunities to improve our food services
• Listening and acting on customer feedback to improve services
• Supporting the creation of new menus and 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 Safety regulations

Skills

Team supervision

Customer service

Food preparation

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent

Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

Compass Group UK&I ESS Defence division is seeking an ambitious Chef to lead food service for Defence contracts. The role is full-time, 35 hours per week, with a 5-out-of-7 shift pattern, focused on preparing and serving high-quality meals that delight clients and customers.

You will oversee menu changes, supervise a kitchen team, ensure food safety compliance, and contribute to new menu concepts while maintaining a positive brand image across military and government sites.