Head Chef

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services; Amesbury; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Career Pathways programme

Healthcare benefits and Digital GP

Job summary

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead a busy catering operation within a Defence environment. You will manage breakfast and lunch offerings, hospitality and event catering, and overall kitchen operations with a strong focus on quality and safety.

The role emphasises independent work, budget control, and delivering outstanding service in a high-volume setting. Excellent organisational skills and a proactive approach are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef, Sous Chef, or Senior Chef is required.
• Strong culinary skills and passion for fresh food.
• Experience managing kitchen administration, stock, and budgets.
• Ability to work independently and manage a kitchen operation.
• Excellent organisation and time-management skills.
• Proactive, hands-on approach with commitment to outstanding service.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve a fresh breakfast and lunch offer.
• Deliver hospitality and event catering as required.
• Manage menus, ordering, stock control, and food costs.
• Maintain high standards of food quality and presentation.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety and Health & Safety requirements.
• Build strong relationships with customers and the client.

Skills

Head Chef

Kitchen management

Stock control

Budget management

Time management

Independent worker

Job description

Head Chef - MOD Boscombe

£17.26 per hour/ 40 hours per week

We're looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead a busy catering operation within a Defence environment. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate and organised chef who enjoys taking ownership of a kitchen, producing high-quality food, and delivering excellent customer service.

Working within a high-volume setting, you'll be responsible for delivering a fresh breakfast and lunch offer, along with occasional hospitality and event catering. This role is ideal for someone who thrives working independently and can confidently manage all aspects of a kitchen operation.

What you'll be doing

• Preparing and serving a fresh breakfast and lunch offer
• Delivering hospitality and event catering as required
• Managing menus, ordering, stock control, and food costs
• Maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation
• Ensuring compliance with Food Safety and Health & Safety requirements
• Building strong relationships with customers and the client

What we're looking for

• Previous experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, or Senior Chef
• Strong culinary skills and a passion for fresh food
• Experience managing kitchen administration, stock, and budgets
• Ability to work independently and manage a kitchen operation
• Excellent organisation and time-management skills
• A proactive, hands-on approach with a commitment to delivering outstanding service

Why Join Us

• Primarily weekday working with occasional weekend requirements
• Opportunity to take ownership of a busy kitchen operation
• Development and career progression opportunities within a leading contract catering business
• Supportive team environment with access to industry-leading training and benefits

This is an excellent opportunity for a chef looking for a rewarding role that offers autonomy, variety, and a strong work-life balance.

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

Please note: This role is contracted to 50.2 weeks per year

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS is the Defence, Government, and Energy services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support 250+ UK military establishments, high profile police, secure environments and government sites, along with a range of onshore and offshore facilities including platforms, drilling rigs, floatels and offices for the energy sector. We know that a friendly face makes all the difference, so we look for people who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, at all levels, to join our teams.

Job Reference: com/1210/95858001/52839140/SU #Defence

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!