Head Chef

Compass Group UK Careers; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider in Birmingham is seeking an experienced Head Chef for Glenart Castle. In this pivotal role, you will lead a small kitchen team, deliver exceptional dining experiences from relaxed buffets to elegant banquets, and maintain the highest standards of hygiene. The ideal candidate will possess relevant qualifications, proven kitchen leadership experience, and a passion for creative, seasonal food. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including discounts and wellness programs.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Digital GP access

Exclusive travel discounts

Discounts on grocery shopping

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness and exercise classes

Share discounts with friends and family

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a small kitchen team in a similar environment.
• Confident in delivering both buffet and silver service dining.
• Ability to maintain high standards of food hygiene and safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate a small, friendly kitchen team.
• Prepare and present dishes to high standards.
• Oversee ordering and food waste management.
• Manage kitchen schedules for smooth operations.

Skills

Team leadership

Customer service

Food hygiene compliance

Creative cooking

Communication skills

Education

NVQ or City & Guilds in catering

Job description

Head Chef - Glenart Castle (ESS, Compass Group UK & Ireland)

Glenhart Castle

£34827 per annum

5 days over 7

Small, friendly kitchen team of 5

About the Role

ESS, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is looking for a talented and passionate Head Chef to lead our small and friendly team at Glenhart Castle.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for delivering a wide variety of seasonal and private functions — from relaxed buffet-style dining to elegant silver service banquets — all while creating exceptional experiences for our guests in a welcoming, customer-facing environment.

Key Responsibilities

As Head Chef with ESS, you will :

• Lead and motivate a team of 5, creating a supportive and collaborative kitchen environment
• Prepare and present a range of dishes to consistently high standards
• Deliver food for seasonal events, private functions, and banquets, from buffets to silver service
• Work directly with customers to ensure their dining experience exceeds expectations
• Oversee ordering, stock control, and food waste management
• Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, health, and safety compliance
• Manage kitchen schedules and ensure smooth day-to-day operations

About You

Our ideal Head Chef will :

• Hold relevant professional catering qualifications (e.g., NVQ or City & Guilds)
• Have proven experience leading a small kitchen team in a similar environment
• Be confident delivering both buffet and silver service dining
• Thrive in a customer-facing role, with excellent communication skills
• Be creative, organised, and passionate about seasonal, high-quality food
• Demonstrate strong leadership and a hands‑on approach

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

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 / 1812 / 94338001 / 52781860 / 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!