Head Chef

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

Job summary

A leading hospitality organization in Birmingham is seeking a talented Head Chef to lead a small kitchen team at Glenhart Castle. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing a wide range of dishes for various events, from buffets to elegant banquets. The ideal candidate will have relevant culinary qualifications, experience in managing a kitchen, and a passion for high-quality, seasonal food. This position offers competitive salary and various employee benefits, making it a rewarding opportunity for aspiring chefs.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Digital GP access

Exclusive travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards on spending

Free wellness classes

Share discounts with family

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a small kitchen team in a hospitality environment.
• Confidence in delivering both buffet and silver service dining.
• Passion for seasonal, high-quality food.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate a team of 5 in the kitchen.
• Prepare and present a variety of dishes to high standards.
• Deliver exceptional food experiences at seasonal events and private functions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

Creativity

Organizational Skills

Education

NVQ or City & Guilds in Catering

Job description

Head Chef - Glenart Castle
Glenhart Castle
£34,827 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

• 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 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

• 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

Benefits

• 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!