Head Chef

Compass Group UK; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life assurance scheme

Personal Development and Training

Employee Assistance Programme

Holiday purchase scheme

Discount vouchers

Wellbeing strategy

Social events

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I is seeking an ambitious Head Chef to lead a high-quality kitchen operation on a full-time basis (40 hours per week) for CH&CO. You will be responsible for delivering exceptional culinary experiences, driving improvements, and managing budgets while maintaining hygiene and safety standards.

The role offers career progression within a supportive, people-focused organization. Ideal candidates will have City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent, proven Head Chef

Qualifications

• City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2 or NVQ equivalent
• Proven experience as Head Chef
• Ability to work under pressure with initiative
• Commitment to safety and hygiene standards

Responsibilities

• Prepare delicious, high-quality food for clients
• Manage stock, ordering, and waste control
• Lead and develop kitchen team in a positive environment
• Monitor budgets and achieve financial targets
• Ensure food safety, hygiene, and health & safety compliance
• Represent Compass Group UK&I and uphold brand image

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Budget management

Food preparation

Hygiene & safety

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2 or NVQ equivalent

Job description

We're currently recruiting an ambitious Head Chef to help us create exceptional food experiences for CH&CO on a full time basis, contracted to 40 hours per week.

As a Head Chef, you will be responsible for creating an outstanding culinary experience. In return, you will have the chance to progress your career with a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.

Could you bring your spark to CH&CO? Here's what you need to know before applying for a Head Chef position with Compass Group UK&I.

Working with us has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits and development opportunities:

• Great operational training and development
• Life assurance scheme
• Personal Development and Training opportunities - We are passionate about our growing team
• A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Regular social events and communication with our leaders
• A holiday purchase scheme
• Access to some great high street discount vouchers

Here's an idea of what your shift patterns will be: Mon-Fri (Full Time Days)

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights our clients and customers
• Identifying opportunities to improve our food service
• Creating a positive kitchen environment where your team feel welcomed and supported
• Delivering our tasty food concepts to our customers
• Representing Compass Group UK&I and maintaining a positive brand image
• Ordering food, looking after stock control and controlling food waste
• Overseeing kitchen cleaning responsibilities to maintain hygiene standards
• Managing budgets and successfully meeting financial targets
• Complying with Food Handling & Hygiene standards
• Complying with Health & Safety regulations

Our ideal Head Chef will:

• Hold a City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent
• Create a positive work environment where the whole team can thrive
• Be a brilliant communicator and easily build relationships
• Have experience in a similar Head Chef role
• Strive for excellence in an enthusiastic and motivated manner
• Take initiative and make decisions that are right for our customers
• Have a desire to succeed in your role
• Possess the ability to work under pressure
• Demonstrate exceptional timekeeping and reliability
• Have a safety-first mind set
• Passionate about food

Job Reference: com/0610/48091001/52820703/R/BU #Gather and Gather

CH&CO, a part of 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!