Head Chef

Compass Group UK; Brecon; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering services provider in Brecon seeks a Head Chef to lead a talented kitchen team, oversee operations, and ensure high-quality meals for military personnel. Candidates must have prior Head Chef experience and strong leadership skills. This full-time role offers £16.25 per hour, meal benefits, and opportunities for career progression within the company.

Benefits

Uniform provided

Free meal on duty

Free on-site parking

Subsidised gym membership

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a Head Chef or similar role (essential).
• Confident managing a large, diverse team in a fast-paced environment.
• Passionate about delivering high-quality, seasonal food.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of 14 to deliver excellent food and service.
• Plan, prepare, and present fresh, nutritious meals for daily and special events.
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health, and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Organisation

Communication

Culinary creativity

Flexibility

Education

Relevant catering qualifications (NVQ, City & Guilds)

Job description

Overview

Head Chef - ESS (Brecon Camp)
Location: Brecon Camp, Wales
Hours: 40 hours per week (5 over 7 - mix of earlies and lates)
Pay: £16.25 per hour
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Shift Patterns:

• Early: 05:30 - 14:00
• Late: 10:30 - 19:00 (Includes a 30-minute unpaid break)

About the Role

As Head Chef with ESS at Brecon Camp, you’ll lead a talented kitchen team delivering fresh, high-quality meals to military personnel and staff. You’ll oversee all aspects of kitchen operations — from daily service to event catering — ensuring every plate meets our high standards.

You’ll manage a team of 14, including 7 direct reports, and play a key role in creating a positive, professional kitchen environment.

Meal Service Times:

Monday to Friday

• Breakfast: 06:00 - 07:00
• Lunch: 12:15 - 13:30
• Evening Meal: 17:00 - 18:30

Weekends

• Breakfast: 07:00 - 08:00
• Lunch: 12:15 - 13:00
• Evening Meal: 16:45 - 17:30

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 14 to deliver excellent food and service
• Plan, prepare, and present fresh, nutritious meals for daily and special events
• Manage ordering, stock control, and food waste reduction
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health, and safety standards
• Support smooth day-to-day operations and effective scheduling
• Inspire a culture of teamwork, pride, and culinary creativity

About You

You’re an experienced, hands-on Head Chef who thrives under pressure and leads by example.

You will:

• Have previous experience in a Head Chef or similar role (essential)
• Hold relevant catering qualifications (e.g. NVQ, City & Guilds - desirable)
• Be confident managing a large, diverse team in a fast-paced environment
• Show strong leadership, organisation, and communication skills
• Be passionate about delivering high-quality, seasonal food
• Be flexible to work a mixture of early and late shifts, including weekends

What We Offer

✅ £16.25 per hour
✅ 40-hour working week (5 over 7)
✅ Uniform provided
✅ Free meal on duty
✅ Free on-site parking
✅ Subsidised gym membership
✅ Located on a bus route - easy to reach
✅ Career progression within ESS and Compass Group

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/1410/94391001/52202093/R/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!