Head Chef

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services; Coventry; On-site; GBP 21,504; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Access to Digital GP

Travel discounts

Food shop discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards for spending

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Share discounts with family and friends

Job summary

A leading food service company is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead a kitchen team in delivering high-quality meals in Coventry. You’ll oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with health standards, and managing a team of 7. This full-time role offers competitive pay of £15.61 per hour, benefits including a pension scheme, healthcare access, career growth opportunities, and various discounts. Join us to thrive in a professional culinary environment and deliver exceptional service.

Qualifications

• Experienced, hands-on Head Chef who thrives under pressure.
• Previous experience in a Head Chef or similar role is essential.
• Strong leadership and organization skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of 7 to deliver excellent food and service.
• Plan and prepare fresh meals for daily and special events.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Communication

Organizational Skills

Culinary Creativity

Flexibility

Education

Relevant catering qualifications (e.g. NVQ, City & Guilds)

Job description

Head Chef

Join to apply for the Head Chef role at ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services

Salary: £15.61 per hour

Hours: 40 Hours per week – Predominantly Monday to Friday with occasional weekends

Shift pattern: Early shift 7am to 2.30pm and late shift 10am to 8.30pm

As a Head Chef with Compass Group, 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 7 and play a key role in creating a positive, professional kitchen environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 7 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

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

As part of Compass you’ll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Job Reference

com/1112/42857001/52780724/SU #Energy

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Food and Beverage Services