Head Chef

Compass Group UK & Ireland; Coventry; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider in Coventry is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead a dedicated kitchen team. You will oversee kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality meals are delivered to military personnel and staff. The role requires strong leadership and communication skills, as well as a passion for quality cuisine. Benefits include a contributory pension scheme, career development programs, and various discounts. Flexibility to work a mix of shifts is essential.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Grocery shopping discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards for spending

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Chef or in a similar role.
• Relevant catering qualifications are desirable.
• Ability to manage a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.
• Passionate about high-quality, seasonal food.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of 7.
• Plan, prepare, and present meals for daily and special events.
• Manage ordering and stock control.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene and safety standards.
• Support day-to-day operations and scheduling.
• Inspire teamwork and culinary creativity.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Organizational skills

Culinary creativity

Education

NVQ or City & Guilds qualifications

Job description

Head Chef

Salary : £ per hour

Hours : 40 Hours per week - Predominately Monday to Friday with ocassional weekends

Shift pattern : Early shift 7am to and late shift 10am to

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 (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

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, 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

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!